JIM HART/CONTRIBUTING WRITER
jimhartrealestate@gmail.com

SEBRELL—The Sebrell community is back in business as a hub of youth baseball activity as the Courtland Youth Athletic Association recently unveiled their new baseball/softball park.

The site is dedicated to the late D.S. Edwards, who was a well-known sports fan in the Southampton County area. His children, David Edwards and Ruth Ann Edwards Story, donated approximately 30 acres in April 2012 for this sports park to be built upon.

Since the contribution of this land, countless hours have been given by board members, family, friends and local business and charities to make this park a reality. The Courtland Youth Athletic Association is led by President Lance Simms with the following board members: Vice President Mark Pierce, Secretary Ronald Johnson, Treasurer Trina Johnson, Jack Randall, Larry Little, Ricky Forrest, Mark Lowe and Roland Jernigan.

At the dedication, Simms recognized many people including family, friends and businesses that worked tirelessly since beginning a search for land in 2011 and continuing on through today.

Plaques and special recognition awards were handed out to Sidney Simms, Larry Little, Roland Jernigan, Ruth Anne and Gene Story, David Edwards and Denise Wlodyka for their tireless efforts in making this sports complex a reality.

Although the official unveiling with a special ceremony was on May 31, the breaking-in took place on May 2, when the Courtland teams (Mustang, Bronco and Pony leagues) took on the Sedley teams and were victorious in all three games.

The complex consists of one main playing field, one practice field, a concession stand in progress and full lights for the playing field. There are plans for a full “clover” of four fields hopefully in the next few years. Not counting all the many donated hours, services and materials, there has already been approximately $150,000 spent on this complex so far.

It was noted during the ceremony by Lance Simms and confirmed with Emerson Kitchen — a longtime member of the community and avid baseball fan — that Sebrell had originally built a field used by Courtland in the early 1960’s, which was closed in 1987. At that time, the teams used Southampton Academy as a home field and continued to use it until this year.

Anyone interested in helping to continue the progress of this field can contact Lance Simms at 672-2247.