October 14, 2019
East Texas Baptist University honored Marshall Community members Hal and Joyce Cornish with a Founders Society Award during chapel on Wednesday in recognition of their recent generous donations for additional enhancements to the Cornish Soccer Field. Originally built in 2000, the field was initially upgraded in 2007 with funds also provided by the Cornishs, and the current soccer facilities were named in their honor.
“We are thankful for the faithful support of Hal and Joyce Cornish, who are a model of what it means to give to the Kingdom,” ETBU President J. Blair Blackburn said. “ETBU is sincerely grateful to the Lord for Mr. Cornish’s commitment to serving on our board of trustees for many years and the Cornishs’ continued dedication to God’s vision for East Texas Baptist. Today we recognize their generosity of resources, time, and energy, by affirming their membership in the ETBU Founders Society.”
The Cornishs’ support has allowed the following projects to be addressed at Cornish Field: installation of shrubs, field top dressing, replacement of perimeter fencing, creation of a new, illuminated monument sign, and enclosing of the team dugouts and bench areas.
“Cornish field is a highlight of the ETBU women’s and men’s soccer programs. It is a vital location that not only benefits our current players, but also draws in future Tigers. This would not be possible without the contributions from the Cornishs,” Tiger Women’s Soccer Head Coach Kristin Cox expressed. “Updates such as these to our facilities are a large asset in the advancement in our programs. It is always great to receive financial contributions, but even more meaningful when it is received from Godly, Christ-loving donors such as Hal and Joyce.”
These strategic improvements will raise the facility to be among the top soccer pitches in NCAA Division III. The quality of facilities has a direct correlation to attracting talented athletes to ETBU, who will have the opportunity to impact the community and world for Christ through the platform of sports.
“The more we know and the more we find out about ETBU, the more blessed we feel to be involved with this campus,” Mr. Cornish said. “We have been privileged to serve on the board of trustees over the years and it has been a delight. We are so grateful that the students are the objective of everything that’s done at ETBU and we are delighted to see the students here today, because that is what it’s all about.”