Goodrich-When football season kicks off Aug. 28, fans will know the score thanks to a recent contribution of a local auto dealership.
Earlier this month, a new scoreboard was installed at the Roy U. Stacey Athletic Complex on the high school campus, donated by the Randy Wise Automotive Group.
‘We are looking forward to being a part of the community for many years,? said Joe Greene, general manager of Randy Wise Ford-Ortonville, 986 S. Ortonville Road. ‘We are excited and honored to provide the scoreboard’it’s a way to give back to the community that has supported us for more than a decade. Randy (Wise) has long been a strong advocate of helping out and providing for the schools. The philosophy has never changed’always be involved in the community you do business.?
In August 2012, Greene first approached then athletic director Stephanie O’Dea about an opportunity to have Randy Wise donate a new scoreboard.
‘I went to the first football game of the year at Goodrich and the scoreboard did not work and time had to be kept on the field,? he said. ‘It was an awesome new stadium without a scoreboard. We needed to take care of that.?
In June 2013, Dave Davis began duties as the athletic director and followed up on conversations that O’Dea had started with Greene and the Randy Wise Automotive team.
‘We began preliminary discussions and design with Greg Lucas at General Scoreboard about replacing the scoreboard and installing a new digital model,? said Davis.
Last fall, the board of education OK’d the donation agreement and the scoreboard was ordered earlier this spring.
The new scoreboard is only slightly larger than the previous board and utilizes digital technology rather than the old lightbulb style. The scoreboard is lighter and will considerably reduce maintenance costs associated with replacing parts and equipment. The scoreboard will also offer a significant energy savings over time’requiring 2 amps of power as opposed to the 60 amps that the old scoreboard used.
In addition, the controls for the new scoreboard will be compatible with other Spectrum model scoreboards operated by the district.
‘We are appreciative of the donation from the Randy Wise Automotive Group and especially thankful for the hard work, time, effort, and patience that Joe Greene displayed through the process,? said Davis. ‘The new scoreboard will serve as a much needed addition to the Roy U. Stacey Athletic Complex. This facility can now truly be considered state of the art. We are extremely grateful for the support of our community.?
Over the years Randy Wise Ford has continued to give back to the local districts. The Drive One 4 UR School event, sponsored by Ford Motor Company and Randy Wise Ford of Ortonville, will donate $20 to Brandon High School or Goodrich High School for each person who takes a test-drive in a new Ford. In total, as much as $6,000 could be earned for the schools. Drivers must be 18 years of age or older and must have a valid driver’s license.