UHS alumni and donors pledge millions toward University High sports complex; board declines formal action

Greg Matheny, campaign co-chair for the University High School (UHS) Sports Complex capital campaign, told the Monongalia County Board of Education on Feb. 25 that alumni and private donors have pledged substantial funds and asked the board to allow the district to begin engineering and architecture solicitations.

Matheny said the campaign has secured a $2,000,000 match from the board, and several large private gifts. He identified a $1,000,000 donation from UHS alum Nancy Raley, a $250,000 donation from former Major League player Jed Jurco on behalf of the Stockett–Jurco families, an anonymous $125,000 gift recognizing the 2024 UHS softball state champions, and a $1,250,000 commitment from UHS alum Derek Reynolds. Matheny said those commitments bring the project to about $4,850,000 "to build this complex." He asked the board to "get the start process started" so architects and engineers could be engaged once remaining commitments are finalized.

Matheny said the campaign’s plan names parts of the complex in recognition of donors: the sports complex overall and specific fields would carry donor names. He described a multi-phase vision that could include baseball and softball facilities, tennis courts and a multi-purpose field usable by other sports and activities.

Superintendent Dr. Campbell told the board the body could not take official action on the campaign request that night because the item was not on the published agenda. "The board can't take official action because it's not an action item on the agenda this evening," Dr. Campbell said. Matheny and his wife, campaign co-chair Heidi Matheny, said they would follow up with district staff to clarify next steps and procurement requirements.

Campaign leaders said the group has engaged Foremost, a firm that had helped with conceptual designs, and that they plan to seek architectural and engineering bids. Matheny said the campaign expected to move quickly if outstanding commitments arrived and hoped for construction to begin in time for use in 2026, calling the timetable optimistic.

The board did not vote on any measure related to the campaign during the meeting. Board members and staff asked procedural and timeline questions but did not make a motion. Several donors and campaign volunteers were introduced and acknowledged during the presentation.

The presentation was informational; the board was asked to permit staff-to-campaign coordination and to advise the campaign on procurement steps that would be required if and when a formal request came back to the board.