Dear Ironton Residents,

Located in Southern Ohio, Ironton High School has been a proud reminder of excellence and tradition to our local community as well as the Tri-State region. Like most of our region, Ironton has been dealt some difficult economic times. The people of the community must be very prudent with their finances to keep a reasonable quality of life.

Despite the limited financial resources, the taxpayers of Ironton City School District passed a bond issue and levy that has provided new schools for all grade levels. In addition to the new schools, a group of civic-minded residents have organized to preserve and improve Tanks Memorial Stadium and Bob Lutz Field.

Tanks Memorial Stadium opened in 1926 and was home of the famous Ironton Tanks. Because of its historical significance to professional football, Tanks Memorial Stadium received an Ohio Historical marker in 2002.

In addition to fundraising for the stadium, the “Forward Fighting Tigers” campaign has aggressively pursued funds for an artificial surface for the football field. When the fundraising for the artificial turf on Bob Lutz Field are complete, our school district will be blessed with all newly constructed or newly renovated facilities with the exception of one building – The Conley Center. The Conley Center is an athletic facility that was constructed in 1974 and was created to be a focal point for Ironton athletics and various community events.

It has been my experience that the people of Ironton are dedicated to preserving their distinguished past and motivated to improve the quality of life for future generations.

A committee has been organized to generate revenue for the renovation of the Conley Center. Since the Conley Center is utilized by the “Fighting Tiger” basketball program, we are going to do our part by sponsoring the 6th Annual Ironton Classic, a basketball invitational, on December 21 – 22, 2013.

The event will feature a total of 16 teams from seven different states. The participating teams will play “shootout” matchups for a total of 11 games in two days. Proceeds from the games will be earmarked towards this endeavor. Funds have already been used to provide new bleachers, remodeled locker rooms, install audio/video system, replace ceiling tiles, update the heating units and address numerous maintenance concerns.

In the last two years, The Classic Committee has sponsored two $500 scholarship for students attending college.

Thanks to the maintenance staff and several volunteers the Conley Center is getting a well deserved make-over, but there is still more to accomplish. Our focus is now on the gym floor. A new floor will cost approximately $250,000. We are looking for contributors like you to make financial gifts towards this goal. Any contribution to take the pressure off the people that have already given so much would be appreciated.

 

Thank You,

 

Mark A. LaFon

Committee Chairman

Ironton Classic Basketball Invitational