Construction has started on a new field and stadium at Mount Dora High School thanks to a fundraising effort that brought in more than $1 million in a couple of months, and next week the school will welcome a new football coach.
Phase 1 of the construction project includes complete reconstruction of the football field, a rebuild of two concession stands, paint and landscaping at a cost of about $1.25 million. The school district contributed $250,000, the Mount Dora community raised $500,000 and the Mount Dora Community Trust matched the funds raised with another $500,000. Completion is expected in about eight months.
The starting phase is part of a five-year plan to upgrade the field and stadium, which was built in 1961. Future phases will include the addition of artificial turf and replacement of the track.
The school’s new football coach, Luke Hutchinson, a native of Fort Pierce, Hutchinson is entering his 13th year coaching. He has coached at the highest competition levels in both California and Florida, including Upland High School (CA) and Dr. Phillips High School (FL). In 2015, he was part of the Riverside Notre Dame CIF Championship team serving as the defensive coordinator.
