Parents win Title IX, FHS softball to get $1.3m boost
Two mothers of Farragut High School girls softball players have won a Title IX lawsuit, which dealt with gender equality issues concerning athletic fields at the school.
The apparent result will be an upgrade to the softball program’s Bellamy Field costing $1,305,000, which reportedly would bring it in line — in terms of features — with the boys sport to which it closely compares, the Admirals baseball complex known as John Heatherly Field/The Ballpark at Farragut.
Knox County Board of Education was scheduled to discuss implementing the upgrade, as an agenda item, during its workshop Wednesday, April 7 (after press deadline).
“Approve contract with Rouse Construction Company for construction of the Farragut High School Softball facility (for) $1,305,000.00 using Capital Plan funds,” a Board press release stated about the agenda item for its regular meeting Wednesday, April 14.
Donald Dodgen, FHS athletics director, did not comment on the matter when contacted Monday morning, April 5.
Susan Horn, Board of Education chair who represents District 5, which includes all Farragut public schools, also declined comment when contacted Monday.
Entering the 2021 season, the program had just completed upgrades including a new scoreboard, renovated pressbox, seats with back support on both the home bleachers (first base side) and visitors bleacher (third base side) and an arched “Admirals Softball” branded entrance.
