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The Bulldogs have new digs. In a big reveal Wednesday afternoon, the LaFayette football players got to see their newly renovated locker room. Their reactions said it all, they were pleased. 

“It’s hard,” said senior Jermayne Rozier with a wide smile. 

As the players were filing into the locker room, coaches playfully covered their eyes, making sure to maintain the surprise. The renovation itself wasn’t a surprise. The field house hadn’t been updated in 30 years according to David Owen, Chambers County School’s Assistant Superintendent. 

The overhaul of the building included a new roof, reconstruction of the walls and ceiling, a new bathroom coaches office and lighting, said Benji Mitchum, Chambers County School District Director of Transportation, Maintenance and Safety. 

A conditioning room is currently being added beside the locker room, as well. The total price tag of the project was over $100,000. Mitchum said the contractors were all local to Chambers. 

While under construction, the players have been working out of the away team’s locker room this season, while the away team had to be bussed back and forth to the school’s gym on game nights. 

Head Coach Juan Williams equated the day to Christmas morning for the players. 

“Everything breeds everything, you know, if you look good, you feel good, you play good. That’s what we try to do,” he said. “Give these kids an experience.”

When the students were finally allowed to open their eyes they saw a room lined in black cubbies, with a ‘LaFayette Bulldogs’ sign lighted at the top. A yellow cushion to match the black, allows players to relax before or after games. A safe and place for helmets and jerseys was also built in. The new bathroom and showers were also shown off. 

“I’m just so full right now, just to watch them be happy,” Williams beamed. 

“The kids deserve it,” said the coach, thanking the board and Dr. Casey Chambley, the CCSD Superintendent for tackling the project.