Georgian College sports field officially dedicated as the J.C. Massie Field

Sept. 22, 2017

The Georgian College sports field was officially dedicated as the J.C. Massie Field today in recognition of a generous gift of $500,000 from the Massie family.

J.C. Massie’s children Jamie Massie and Marilynn Booth, joined by members of the extended family, unveiled an arch honouring their father.

“The Massie family is extremely proud to honour our father, grandfather and great-grandfather at the naming of the J.C. Massie Field at Georgian College,” says Jamie Massie, speaking on behalf of the Massie family. “He would be so proud to be here to share in this opening.  J.C. believed the future of our country lay in its youth. He believed in sports and education as a way to inspire and nurture the talent that exists in everyone.”

The donation will complete phase two of the sports field development, including a digital scoreboard and full lighting to allow an extended season for both varsity and local high school sports events.

“We are truly grateful for the Massie family’s outstanding commitment to Georgian and our community,” says Georgian President and CEO MaryLynn West-Moynes. “And today they are supporting our students again. This is a significant personal and family investment that will greatly enhance the varsity athletic experience, building Grizzly pride at Georgian while providing even more inspiring opportunities for our students and community.”

Phase one of the sports field opened last year, funded by the Georgian College Students’ Association (GCSA). The field and ball diamond together form the GCSA sports complex.

The first football game on the newly named field took place following the ceremony, between Barrie North Collegiate and Eastview Secondary School. The Georgian Grizzlies men’s rugby team will play their first game under the lights at 7 p.m.

Here’s some highlights of today’s event.