Jacksonville State University Athletics

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.