Columbia Meet the Coaches Breakfast Raises Money for Local Park

COLUMBIA, Mississippi (WDAM) – Marion County kicked off its football season in style Tuesday morning with a “Meet the Coaches” breakfast at Raquel’s Restaurant in Columbia.

Michael Duck Griffith and Columbia Strong hosted the event to raise money for the new and improved Friendship Park, which was originally built in 2002. The $1.1 million project is almost fully funded, as the organization has already raised $950,000.

“It’s going to be one of the most beautiful playgrounds around,” said Rene Dungan, a member of the Columbia Strong board of directors. “It’s totally inclusive for kids of all abilities. We’re going to have things that appeal to all ages. We’re even going to have a science, technology, engineering and math area for kids. We asked the kids what they wanted – they wanted a zip line. We have two zip lines in this new park.”

Tuesday’s meeting was also an opportunity for coaches from Columbia, West Marion, East Marion and Columbia Academy to connect before the heated battles on the football field begin.

The Eagles welcome their rival Trojans on Thursday at 7 p.m. to kick off the 2024 season.

“Fast, physical, big,” West Marion head coach Mason Woodrow said when describing East Marion’s team. “They have a young quarterback who can really throw the ball. Just for the guys: We’ve got to keep our composure, make sure we play disciplined and not overdo it more than it needs to be.”

“The Trojans are pretty fast on defense,” said East Marion head coach Jerry Fletcher. “They want to get the ball quickly and force the offense to make a lot of mistakes. We’ll have our hands full on Thursday night to score against the Trojans.”

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