Bevill State Community College announced on Thursday it will be renovating the historic Glen Clem Gymnasium.
BSCC President Joel Haygood expressed his support for athletics and the role it plays in the college’s success. He emphasized the importance of athletics in teaching life skills and bringing the community together.
“As a former coach and athletic director myself, I think it plays a major role, a major role in the viability of our campus and the success of what we try to accomplish here,” he said. “My experience has shown me there’s no better simulation or metaphor for life, or the rigors of life, than than athletics. The passion also displayed in our communities, I think we would all would agree with that as a football season is about to kick off, that it brings us together, as as community as well. No different here at your local community college.”
The renovation of Glen Clem Gymnasium will include both internal and external improvements. The college shared renderings of the planned renovations, which include an expanded lobby area, improved restrooms and a modern facade. The gymnasium will also feature a weight room for the Bears basketball team and a multipurpose room on the second floor. The renovation will also include an elevator for accessibility.
“And we hope to resurrect, bring back the Blue Tie Club, which we think the multipurpose room on the second floor will be a great area for them to view the games, as well as a great place for them to go up to fellowship and eat,” he said.
The project is estimated to cost $5.2 million and is expected to be completed in about a year. The college plans to accommodate basketball games at other facilities this season during the renovation period, including the gymnasium at the Bevill State campus in Fayette and the Carl Cannon Coliseum at Jasper High School. Hagood said those details are still being worked out, Songer Gym at the former Walker High School could also be used, possibly for practices.
The announcement was met with excitement from the college’s athletic director, Chris Harris, and head basketball coach, Billy Connor. They expressed their gratitude for the support of the college administration and the local community. Both said the renovation of Glen Clem Gymnasium is a significant improvement for the college’s athletic programs and a boost for recruiting student-athletes.
The project was made possible through the support of Sen. Greg Reed (R-Jasper) and Rep. Matt Woods (R-Jasper), who secured funding for the renovation.
“It is always a privilege for me to do anything I can to be supportive of Bell State and all of her campuses and all of the students and all of the staff and faculty that are associated with what make this the absolute premium community college in Alabama,” Reed said.
Woods has been a part of the planning of the gym renovations since his time on the two-year college board.
“Clem Gym, as you all know, has a special place in the hearts of people all over Walker County — former players, alumni, people who just love basketball and love the nostalgia of what has happened in this program historically. It is important to me to see this facility restored and modernized and made comfortable.,” he said.
Photos by James Phillips – The Community Journal; Artist renderings courtesy of BSCC.
