Dr. Ernest Stone, who became the eighth President of Jacksonville State on January 1, 1971, after serving as State Superintend of Education the previous four years, built a new baseball field, 15 new tennis courts, Pete Mathews Coliseum, the Gamecocks Field house, and conducted a major renovation that doubled the capacity of Paul Snow Memorial Stadium.His vision was in no way limited to athletics, but developed a sports complex that was the envy of all.Each facility, with the exception of the baseball field – which has been turned into a combination soccer/softball field for women’s athletics – is still being utilized by Gamecock athletes today.Dr. Stone, who served as JSU’s President for 10 years before retiring, passed away in 1989.
