michael.rodgers@greenvilleadvocate.com

A growing program has growing needs, and the need for a new weight room at Greenville High School prompted Senator &uot;Walking&uot; Wendell Mitchell to donate $10,000 to the cause.

&uot;The new coach indicated that the strength of the team needed to be addressed and that the weight room is not adequate,&uot; Mitchell said.

&uot;He asked for a contribution, and we gave some discretionary funds.&uot;

&uot;I saw a big need,&uot; coach Ben Blackmon said.

Blackmon said that the money will be used for weight bags and practice dummies, in addition to weight equipment and supplies.

&uot;Senator Mitchell has a great relationship with Butler County schools,&uot; Blackmon said.

&uot;We want to have a successful football season, and this was the best way I knew how to use the money,&uot; Mitchell said. &uot;I’ve always been interested in athletic programs in the county.&uot;

&uot;We are very, very thankful,&uot; Blackmon said. &uot;This gets us off to a great start.&uot;