By JESSICA SIEFF
Niles Daily Star

The excitement felt by so many young, high school athletes when they take the field before a big game will no doubt be shared by an entire community.

It was March when construction began on a new sports complex at Brandywine Middle and Senior High School.

Thursday, Brandywine Superintendent John Jarpe gave the Star a sneak peek at the progress, which includes a newly finished soccer field and football field.

Excavation was completed in the spring and crews have been hard at work on irrigation, a new sprinkler system, cemented walkway and landscaping.

And those crews include proud members of the Brandywine community who Jarpe said have been coming out to lend a hand since the project began.

“You just saw people pitching in, bringing their shovels…” said Jarpe.
“It was really gratifying to see all that community support.”

The project was funded by designated district funds and funds carried over from Brandywine’s recent bond construction.

In addition, Selge Construction donated the use of equipment especially for the development.

Owner Marv Selge was at the ground breaking along with Jarpe and Niles Charter Township supervisor Jim Kidwell. All three are Brandywine graduates.
Selge’s name graces the complex’s official sign.

“I’m just very fortunate to have been raised in the community here and have a business here,” Selge said back in March.

Additional developments to the complex include an extended parking lot, new goal posts, new sound system, speakers and scoreboard.

A protective fence around the new track, that has yet to be striped, is also in the process of being completed.

Jarpe also credited Brandywine Community Schools board of education president Jim Curran and Tom Balint for their efforts and contributions to the work being done at the complex.

“This whole thing would not be possible and would not have been done,” without them, he said.

Jarpe also said several area and local companies worked on the project including, Selge Construction, Brett Crouch, Wolverine Electric, Watson’s Tree Service and Kachur Tree Service.

The development is in its final lap – so to speak – and the complex is scheduled to be completed by the start of the new school year.