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PAGE 6 September 2023
Sand Mountain Park & Amphitheater (SMPA), managed by Sports Facilities Companies, has named Brent Boatwright as its new General Manager. Boatwright has always had a deep love for playing, coaching, and watching sports. He was born and raised in Arab, where he was a three-sport high school athlete. He also attended Jacksonville State University, where he met his wife, Leigh. “I played basketball against Albertville in a gym that sat on the same property that I now get to work,” Boatwright recalls. “My grandparents owned a clothing store in Albertville and my father was an Albertville graduate. After 25 years of working in other parts of the state, it is an honor to return to Marshall County and work in a city that means so much to our family.” Boatwright brings a wealth of multi-faceted experience to the role. After college graduation, he started his career in youth ministry while simultaneously coaching numerous sports at the high school level. He then transitioned into the hospitality industry, where he served at multiple hotels and resorts across Alabama. He loves coaching his children’s basketball teams, traveling to new destinations, and attending various sporting events and concerts. "I’ll never forget the moment when I first drove into SMPA for my daughter’s swim meet," Boatwright says. "I was blown away that a facility of this caliber was in my home county." He reminisces, visualizing the stark contrast between his own childhood experiences and the incredible opportunities now available to his children. "I am so thankful that my kids and the children of this area have the opportunities that our park provides." "From the moment I’ve accepted the role, almost everywhere I go, someone stops me to talk about how much they love the park. It's evident that the entire county shares a deep sense of pride in what the city of Albertville has built, and I aspire to continue moving us forward to new heights,” he added. Under Boatwright’s leadership, the facility will implement some exciting updates, including an online ticketing system revamp, improved security procedures, and employee training programs focused on providing the highest quality customer service. His expertise lies in creating experiences for visitors where they can be physically active while also enhancing their mental well-being through social interaction with other guests. He has studied ways to increase engagement within parks by introducing programs such as sports leagues and fitness classes that can be enjoyed by all ages. Additionally, he has developed an extensive understanding of how music festivals and concerts can attract large crowds while also providing safety measures for everyone involved. “I am extremely humbled to have been chosen to serve as the General Manager at SMPA. The opportunity to serve alongside the city of Albertville and to help the people of Marshall County achieve mental and physical health is an incredible responsibility,” he stated. As General Manager, Boatwright will oversee day-to- day operations including Team Member training, customer service initiatives, budgeting and cost control efforts, leadership development, and strategic planning. He will report directly to Patrick O’Brien, who previously managed the park. “I couldn’t be happier to welcome Brent to our team,” says O’Brien. “I believe Brent will bring fresh ideas coupled with an enthusiasm and will do a great job of leading us in the next incredible chapter of the park’s journey. Welcome aboard, Brent!" Sand Mountain Park & Amphitheater, managed by Sports Facilities Companies, includes 14 outdoor turf fields for baseball, softball, soccer, football, lacrosse, and a miracle baseball field. It also includes 16 outdoor tennis courts, an outdoor water park with a splash pad and lazy river, a 17-site RV park, two dog parks, an 18-hole disc golf course, two outdoor basketball courts, two outdoor sand volleyball courts, a 2.5-mile outdoor walking and running trail, numerous concessions areas, and multiple playgrounds. Additionally, there is a 6,000+ seat state-of-the-art amphitheater that hosts a number of noteworthy local, regional, and national concerts. Its 100,000-square-foot indoor facility has the capacity to host multi-court sports tournaments, trade shows, banquets, and community events. The complex also has a two-story fitness center, two group exercise studios, an indoor walking and running track, two racquetball courts, locker rooms, a competition- style indoor pool, private meeting and party rooms, and a concessions area. Brent Boatwright named New General Manager at Sand Mountain Park
Photos By Brandon K. Pierce, The Sports Ledger
Gadsden State Athletics and Sparks Orthopedics announce partnership
teams have the resources needed to prevent, assess, treat and rehabilitate injuries. “We are so grateful to Sparks Orthopedics for this generous donation and their commitment to the well-being of our student-athletes,” Lewis said. “At Sparks, we are dedicated to helping athletes at all levels return to their sport after an injury,” said Dr. Dierick Sparks, orthopedic surgeon at Sparks Orthopedics. “We are proud to partner with Gadsden State and support their athletic programs by ensuring every student-athlete has access to expert medical care, allowing them to focus on their academic and athletic goals.”
Professional Maintenance Service Truck Wash Specializing in Eighteen-Wheeler Washouts, Truck and Trailer Washes, Inside and Outside Trailer Washes, Dump Trucks, Van/Pickup, and Roll Backs. “Through our partnership, physicians and athletic trainers from Sparks Orthopedics will provide medical care and rehabilitation for any sports-related injuries sustained by Cardinal athletes,” said Blake Lewis, athletic director at Gadsden state. “Student-athletes will have direct access to Sparks’ specialized orthopedic doctors and physical therapists.” Gadsden State Community College and Sparks Orthopedics and Sports Medicine announced a partnership that includes a $50,000 commitment to support sports medicine services for the college’s student-athletes. Sparks Orthopedics will also supply athletic training medical supplies and equipment to ensure Gadsden State
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Pictured (L-R) Dr. Dierick Sparks, orthopedic surgeon; Blake Lewis, Gadsden State athletic director; and Dr. Corey Fuller, clinical director.
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