Darren Kinnard/River Radio Sports Central
NASHVILLE — Nashville’s Assembly Hall is getting an unplanned renovation after storms last week tore part of the roof off, leading to significant damage, including ruining the playing floor.
Less than four weeks after the Hornettes celebrated winning a sectional championship on their home floor, workers were using circular saws to cut up that floor in order to remove it and clear the way for a new floor.
Nashville high school science teacher and Hornets’ assistant coach Calvin O’Rear and his son Cooper were in the gym when the storm blew through. The O’Rears saw the roof lifted up and sought shelter in a nearby locker room. Once the storm passed, they returned to see the floor covered with debris and water. As a former Hornet player himself, O’Rear admits seeing the damage first hand, especially as it happened, was tough.
Once the clean up was finished, the repair process got underway. The roof has been temporarily fixed, while inside, in addition to the floor being removed, the banners have been taken down, and workers have repaired some lighting as well as heating and air ducts that were damaged.
School officials say workers have told them if all goes well, they should be able to get back in the gym by the beginning of summer.
The other big question from people in the community is what’s going to happen to the old floor, as many would like a piece as a keepsake. Athletic Director Shaun Renth says that’s complicated due to being part of an insurance claim. He says once the school figures out the logistics for people to get a piece of the floor, they will share that information with the community.
Nashville was scheduled to host the SIJHSAA volleyball state championships this weekend. Those will now be held at Max Morris Gym in West Frankfort.
