ODESSA, Texas — Odessa College held a grand opening Friday for their new stadium and fitness court.
However, the stadium holds much more value than just a new place for the community and students to engage in healthy activities.
The stadium is named after James Segrest, who served as Odessa College's head track and field coach from 1973 to 1988 and the OC athletic director from 1988 to 1995.
“One of the best track and field runners and coaches in the history of track and field and he made his mark at Odessa College many, many years ago," OC President Gregory Williams said. "Did a wonderful job for our community and for our college. We thought it was appropriate to honor him in this way.”
The new stadium includes a new track and football field, and was built where the old Barrett Stadium used to be. Also, a new fitness court, which is open to the public, is right next to the stadium.
The stadium will provide OC students with a state-of-the-art facility for their practices and competitions.
Segrest’s daughter, Cindi Williams, attended the grand opening with her family and couldn’t be more pleased with how everything turned out. Cindi Williams was touched by the stadium being named after her father.
“When I walked up, I got really emotional," Cindi Williams said. "I just know my mom and dad would’ve just been overjoyed to be here and so I got really emotional. But I hung in there and I am so proud of it and it’s beautiful.”
Cindi Williams said her father always did what he could to help others achieve their goals.
“My dad, he loved people," Cindi Williams said. "He loved people and he loved helping people be successful in whatever they did. Whether it be on the track or in the classroom and my mom the same way.”
With Segrest's name attached to a brand-new stadium, in a way, he is still helping athletes become the best they can be.