South Lake High School has completed a new batting cage facility through a hands-on collaboration between the school’s baseball and softball programs and its Construction Academy with support from several local industry partners.

The project not only improves the school’s athletic facilities but also offered students valuable, real-world experience in construction.

The initiative was led by Jared Fullerton, head softball coach and Construction Academy teacher, and Eric Leitner, head baseball coach. Jared, a South Lake alumnus and seven-year staff member, teamed up with Eric, who has led the baseball program for a decade, to align the athletic needs of the campus with the educational goals of the Construction Academy.

Together, they transformed an athletic upgrade into a full-scale, student-centered learning experience.

Several local businesses played a vital role in bringing the project to life:

• Romac Building Supply provided essential materials, helping maintain momentum throughout construction.

• Garney Construction donated materials and mentored students on-site during the concrete slab installation.

• DZ Concrete contributed 30 cubic yards of concrete, forming the foundation of the facility.

• Boykin Construction supplied clean fill for proper site preparation and grading.

• Cherry Lake Tree Farm donated more than 80 plants, enhancing the landscaping and offering an opportunity for the school’s Agricultural Program to contribute.

The project mirrored a professional jobsite, with students involved from site prep and layout to concrete finishing and roofing — all under the guidance of experienced tradespeople.

Students in the Construction Academy applied a wide range of skills throughout the build, including:

• Concrete work: Layout, elevation checks, substrate prep, and finishing techniques.

• Framing and roofing: Building structural components of the facility.

• Safety practices: Adherence to personal protective equipment standards and site protocols.

• Project coordination: Managing deliveries, lead times, and volunteer schedules to meet deadlines.

These experiences help students prepare for future opportunities, from internships and apprenticeships to full-time jobs after graduation.

For student-athletes, the new batting cage provides a safe, dedicated space to develop skills year-round, improving consistency and performance while minimizing weather-related disruptions.

The effort also demonstrates the power of collaboration between academic and athletic programs. By aligning goals and sharing resources, South Lake High School created a facility that supports student development on multiple levels.

Jared and Eric said the success of the project reflects the commitment of both the school and the community to providing meaningful opportunities for students.

“This wasn’t just about a batting cage,” Jared says. “It was about giving our students the chance to build something real — something they can be proud of.”

(Students were excited to use the newly constructed South Lake High batting cages built by the students themselves along with professionals.)

South Lake High School expressed gratitude to its project partners:

• Romac Building Supply — Material donations.

• Garney Construction — Materials and on-site mentorship.

• DZ Concrete — 30 cubic yards of donated concrete.

• Boykin Construction — Clean fill for site prep.

• Cherry Lake Tree Farm — Over 80 plants for landscaping.

Their contributions helped turn a collaborative idea into a lasting asset for the school.