By MEALAND RAGLAND-HUDGINS
Rutherford County Schools
August 20, 2024
Rockvale High School will kick off the 2024 football season in a big way.
The school will dedicate its new turf field, which is patterned after an enormous American flag, prior to its game against Nolensville at 7 p.m. Aug 23.
Principal Steve Luker said the festivities will begin at 5:30 p.m. with tailgating around the stadium. Because the evening also serves as Military Appreciation Night, static displays of various military vehicles will also be on site.
“Military is very important to our school and our community,” Luker said. “During World War II, a number of students at Rockvale left to serve in the military. When they came home, the community wanted the mascot to be named the Rockets.”
Rockvale inducted its first class into the school’s Athletic and Military Hall of Fame in December 2023. The football field has formally been named in honor of Homer Brown, a 1955 graduate who was among the first Hall of Fame class.
Brown’s family continues to be staunch supporters of the school, located on what was once Brown’s farm.
“It’s a tremendous honor for our family,” said Chris Davenport, Brown’s grandson.
The turf and scoreboard project cost approximately $1.7 million and was funded by a loan and other donations. Work was completed by Smyrna-based Warner's Athletic Construction, with turf from Shaw Sports Turf.