By JOYANNA LOVE/Senior Staff Writer

MAPLESVILLE — Maplesville High School spring sports have more practice options, thanks to equipment purchased through a Power to Play grant from Alabama Power Foundation.

The $2,500 grant provided funds for two indoor batting cages made of a net material, so they can be pulled out when needed and put back afterward.

“We have used it for equipment and uniforms. We have hung two batting cages [in the gym]. It will allow baseball and softball a place to practice when the weather won’t allow it outside,” Coach Ab Argent said. “It is going to open up the door to have more student athletes participate.”

These added practice opportunities will also allow more students to be involved.

“It is going to have a great effect, not just on our baseball, but on our softball … It has opened up lots of space to get more kids involved,” Principal Steve Hunter said.

Ardent said the equipment will benefit both the junior varsity and varsity teams in baseball and softball.

“It means a lot to me to be able to give more kids an opportunity,” Argent said.

The grant was presented by Van Forrester, business office manager for the Clanton office of Alabama Power.

“At a small school it is so valuable to have other resources to help you,” Argent said.

Argent said funding can be especially tight for spring sports because they do not generate revenue like some other sports do.

Forrester said students involved in high school sports tend to do better in school. Argent agreed that having the added accountability of answering to a coach made a positive impact on students’ academics.

After hearing about the grant, Argent applied at the urging of his wife. Hunter was also supportive and helped with the application.