The first day of spring was a perfect day for softball and for the dedication at "The Hill."
The stadium was packed not only with fans, but friends and family of the Hills, whose generous gift to the university's Foundation made the stadium possible.
University President Dr. David Potter thanked the couple in a brief ceremony Saturday at the stadium, presenting them with a plaque of appreciation.
The Hills, who now live in Gainesville, attended North Georgia in the 1950s, but they aren't the only North Georgia alumni in the family. Daughter Jeri, son Keith, and two of the Hills' four grandchildren all graduated from North Georgia.
Haines Hill worked in various roles at the university, including serving as the commandant of cadets and professor of military science. He also worked at the university for 10 years after retiring from the military. Hill also served as mayor of Dahlonega from 1986-90 and again from 1996-00. The Hills are members of the Saints Club and support fundraisers for the athletic department. Carolyn Hill previously coached summer league softball when the family lived in the Alexandria, Va., area.
On Saturday, with a promise to wife Carolyn to "be brief," Haines thanked those in attendance for sharing the day with them. In addition, the players also had two gifts for the Hills -- a framed team photograph signed by all the players and a framed jersey.
The Lady Saints, ranked No. 1 in the nation in NCAA Division II, swept the day's doubleheader with No. 10 Augusta State to continue their undefeated season. Wednesday, the team faces the University of West Georgia in a doubleheader.
The softball stadium is part of the new Athletics Complex off Morrison Moore Parkway. The complex also features a new baseball facility, the 500-seat Bob Stein Stadium, which will be dedicated on April 25.
The North Georgia softball team dedicates the Haines & Carolyn Hill Softball Stadium on Saturday in Dahlonega.
http://accesswdun.com/article/2010/3/227995