SUNDAY COLUMN: Bryan Multi-Sports Complex is great asset to City of Goldsboro

By Rudy Coggins
Published in Sports on July 29, 2018 3:08 AM

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Tyler Ham checked his watch.

Seconds later, his piercing whistle shrilled through the humid air.

Game over.

Players removed their helmets, shook hands with their opponents, grabbed a water bottle -- or two -- and headed toward their respective bench areas.

That's been the scene the past few weeks at the Bryan Multi-Sports Complex.

Wayne County schools have engaged in 7-on-7 passing battles in an effort to hone their respective offenses before the prep football season officially opens Monday morning.

The new FieldTurf has drawn rave reviews from the coaches, who not only like its cushiony appeal, but also love the fact that it's easy for running backs and receivers to plant and pivot as if they were playing on real grass.

Ham revels in the positive feedback.

But, understandably, he wants more.

How about a REAL football game each Friday night between two county schools or perhaps a conference game with postseason implications?

"That's what I've been talking about," said Ham, who has reached out to area high school coaches and athletics directors about future plans.

"With our joint-use agreement with Wayne County Public Schools, we are hoping to bring some games to our complex -- middle and high school. This agreement is key to growing our complex and athletics in our community."

There are some aesthetic issues.

The two fields have lights, but need goal posts, scoreboards and bleacher/stadium seating. Security is necessary and the N.C. High School Athletic Association mandates that each school must have a first responder on site.

There is an abundance of parking and restrooms for the fans.

Ham has booked cross country meets, youth soccer contests and youth/adult flag football games at the Complex. The N.C. Youth Soccer Kepner Cup was contested there last spring. He opened the facility for Goldsboro to play East Duplin in an East Central 2-A Conference girls' soccer match after rain rendered conditions unplayable at Cougar Stadium.

Playing at the Complex gives county student-athletes to opportunity to compete on a high-quality artificial turf field. If the schools host opponents outside the county, the Complex is a perfect tool to help promote its multi-use status and the city of Goldsboro.

"We are striving to make sure this complex is used to its maximum potential," Ham said. "If we can help these local high schools/middle schools and youth athletics in our community, that's what it's all about."

It's a win-win deal.

IF the county schools get on board.