Central High unveils state-of-the-art training facility

Roger Jackson says the gym is a tool for discipline and lifelong success

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) –  Macon’s Central High School was buzzing Friday morning with energy as athletes, coaches, and community members gathered for the unveiling of a cutting-edge training facility.  The facility is equipped with state-of-the-art gear, ranging from weights and dumbbells to treadmills and bikes. Most of the equipment was manufactured locally, right here in Macon. 

Justin, a junior at Central High, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “Being here with my brothers, it feels amazing.  Knowing I’ll be able to use this every day, come in here on my worst days, my best days, and just work.” His teammate, Wyquavis , a sophomore, expressed his excitement as well, “It feels amazing. I feel like our work is finally getting rewarded.  Sometimes people don’t really notice this, but I feel like it’s finally getting rewarded.” 

Roger Jackson, president of the Central High School Booster Club, said there will be lasting benefits that come from having this new facility. He said, “If you’re disciplined enough to work on your body, then that makes you a better person overall in our community and our school, and going out in the working world, it teaches you about discipline and being consistent in what you do.”

Accelerated timeline thanks to donation

Originally, the facility was projected to take five years to complete, but thanks to a donation from Prince Service & MFG, they were able to get it done in one year. “When I talked to Central, they had a five-year plan on how to make an impact on these men and women’s lives. They’re going to be graduated by then, and if you saw the gym beforehand, it was functional, but it needed a lot of improvements. It was old. I wanted to make sure that we can impact these men and women’s lives today,” stated Eric Williams, CEO of Prince Services & MFG 

Facility designed for all students

Kevin Grooms, the Director of Athletics for the Bibb County School District, highlighted the uniqueness of the facility, saying in part, “A weight facility is definitely needed, not just for the boys, but also for the girls, too. They need to be able to use the facility, as well. So, to make sure that the facility is able to be used my boys and girls, that’s a great thing that we got here in Central.”