The Shadow
COVINGTON, Va. (VR) – A long-awaited dream has finally become reality at Casey Field. On Monday, city officials and school leaders unveiled the brand new, state-of-the-art field house—a game-changer for Cougar athletics and a major upgrade from the aging locker room that dated back to the Covington Astros era.
Gone are the days of cramped, dimly lit quarters. In it’s place stands a modern facility bathed in natural light, filled with thoughtful details aimed at supporting today’s student-athletes. The expansive locker room, designed with an open floor concept, features custom lockers—each paired with a chair sporting the “Cougars” proudly stamped on the backrest. In the center of it all is a large flat screen TV, ready to be used for game film breakdowns and team meetings.
“The goal was functionality and pride,” said Covington City Manager, who led a press tour through the facility. “We took input from coaches, trainers, and athletic directors to ensure this space works for everyone who uses it.”
And work it will. The field house will serve not only the Cougar football team—who will be the first to move in—but also the baseball team and the Valley Baseball League’s Covington Lumberjacks beginning in the 2026 season.
From the Chestnut Street entrance, athletes are greeted by a massive Cougar decal splashed across the wall, signaling a bold new chapter for Alleghany athletics. The design itself blends seamlessly into the landscape. I’m sure if Allen had his way, we’d be looking at Virginia Tech or Green Bay colors, thankfully, for us they went with a more natural look that fits our surroundings perfectly.
Inside, the attention to detail is clear. A separate section was created for female athletes, offering private restrooms, showers, and changing areas. Coaches now enjoy a spacious office where they can meet and strategize in comfort, and the building includes dedicated laundry and sports medicine areas—amenities that were sorely lacking in the old setup.
Perhaps most appreciated is the ample storage space, which means teams no longer need to haul equipment between Casey Field and the high school.
Dressler, who has seen more than a few phases of Cougar athletics, was visibly emotional as he toured the completed space. “Every inch of this was built by local labor. That’s something this community can be proud of,” he said.
And proud they are. The unveiling of the new field house was more than a ribbon-cutting—it was a statement. The Cougars are not just preparing for a new season. They’re stepping into a new era.
