BEAVER FALLS, Pa- Jim Prince, Vice President of Operations at Geneva College, stated that Reeves Field will accommodate the Big Beaver Falls High School football scrimmage today following Tuesday′s collapse of the retaining wall at the northern end of the field. The dirt and concrete blocks are now being cleared off the turf and expected to be completely removed by this evening.
After the material has been completely cleared from the field, additional blocks will be removed from the remaining wall and a new row or two of blocks added where the collapse occurred, leaving a three-to-five-foot wall spanning the northern perimeter. During the upcoming months, a new drainage system will be placed behind the wall, and perhaps a double row of block added for additional support. Landscape architects and structural engineers are still considering and advising on the specific actions.
With the rows of block removed, the hillside will be steeper, necessitating that topsoil be removed. Final treatments, such as possible material facing on the front of the wall and replanting the hillside, will be implemented in the spring.
Repairs for the clean up and permanent solution of the retaining wall are expected to be costly, depending on the specific steps to be taken. But the money has already been provided, noted Geneva President Ken Smith. “We serve a gracious God. Last Friday, we received the final distribution from the estate of a woman who died in 2002 and made a gift to Geneva to be used only for land acquisition, capital improvements or the building fund. The money was provided even before we realized the need.” The final distribution of this estate is expected to fully cover the cost of the repairs and reconstruction.
Geneva College will not have its first home game at Reeves Stadium until September 22. Big Beaver Falls High School, which plays its games at Reeves Stadium, will have its first official game on the field on August 31.
“I've been impressed and appreciative of the efforts of our physical plant and administration to address this situation,” commented Athletic Director Geno DeMarco. “It′s a credit to their quick action that our football season will not be interrupted by this incident.”
Geneva College, a reformed Christian liberal arts school founded in 1848, prepares students to serve Christ in all areas of society: work, family and the church. Geneva is a founding member of the Council of Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU).
