MA unveils multi-purpose facility

The Marshall Academy baseball team, as it prepares for a new season, won’t have any days off in January and February.

That’s thanks to a recently-completed multi-purpose building on the campus in Holly Springs.

“This gives us an edge,” said Bruch Branch, entering his fourth season as head coach of the Patriots. “We won’t have any wasted days due to inclement weather. When it’s freezing cold or raining in January and February, we can work efficiently inside.”

There’s plenty of space in the 50’ by 80’ building for three retractable batting cages and a bullpen area.

The facility will also be used for softball practices, physical education classes and other purposes. Restrooms in the new building will be utilized during softball and soccer games.

“It’s a tremendous asset overall for our campus,” said Branch, who also serves as the school’s athletic director.

The project materialized due to the support of Friends of MA, private donors, the board of directors, and others.

“I want to personally thank everyone who supported this project and made this happen,” Branch said.

“A number of MA patrons also assisted with the construction of this facility, and I appreciate them. “Without everyone’s help, through

their financial contributions, donation of materials or physical labor, this would not be possible.” He said the multi-purpose building was a vision of his when he took the job at Marshall. The Patriots have been traveling 45 minutes or so to other places to be able to hit and throw inside on cold and/or wet days.

“This type facility is the new norm (for high school baseball teams), and it gives us as much of an advantage as anyone else,” Branch said.

“We can get in a lot of swings, a lot of work done here, in January and February to improve our game.” The Patriots lost in the state championship series last season. A solid nucleus returns for the 2022 campaign, which starts February 18 at home versus Indianola Academy.

“On paper, we’ve got the makings for a special season,” Branch said. “We could possibly have a good story-book ending, from where we started a few years ago.

In his first season as head coach, 2019, the Patriots recorded 10 wins. Last season they finished 31-5 and brought home the state runner-up trophy.

“Hopefully, we can make another run at it (a state championship),” he said. “It’s going to take hard work, commitment, dedication and most importantly, we have to be a team.

“Marshall baseball, we are a close family ­ and everything has to come together for it to be a great season. We all have to be on the same page to make it happen. I’m super excited about the season ahead.”