COSBY-In early May, we updated you on the progress being done at Cosby School's soon-to-be sports complex. At that time, the 702nd U.S. Army Reserve unit out of Gray had all of their heavy equipment and soldiers doing the grading work that will eventually be a new baseball field, a new softball field and a new football and soccer practice field.

This past Thursday, the soldiers wrapped up their two weeks of summer training at the site, and were headed back to their homes and families on Friday morning. But what they accomplished these past two weeks is nothing short of amazing.

"We've got most of the grading work done," said Sergeant First Class Christopher Dean. "We've still got to move about a foot or so between what will be the softball field and the football and soccer practice field, some minor grading work for the parking area and one more access road on the other side of the Cosby Fire Hall. And the last thing we'll do is back-fill it with soil for seeding. But, that won't take us too much longer."

The 702nd Army Reserve unit includes soldiers from several states, including Tennessee, Virginia, Kentucky, Georgia and South Carolina. And building ball fields is certainly not new to them.

"We've graded out sports fields for the Greeneville YMCA," said Sergeant Dean, "for fields in Dandridge and at Milligan College. So, we've got some experience. It really works out well for both parties. The communities get their fields grade work done at no cost and we get to keep up with our occupational specialties. It's a win-win for both parties."

Sergeant Dean is from Big Stone Gap, Virginia. He and his fellow reservists have been bedding down at Cosby School cafeteria in the evenings. All of their necessities have been taken care of by Cosby School officials and volunteers.

"We can't thank these wonderful folks enough for the hospitality we've received over the last two weeks and our earlier work trips here," said Sergeant Dean. "I think each of us will be going home 10 pounds heavier, the food has just been incredible. We've really fallen in love with the area."

"It's incredible how far they've progressed," said Donnie Frazier, The Cocke County School System's Facilities Director.

Frazier was on hand Thursday, along with State Representative Eddie Yokley, and several local residents to see the Reserve soldiers off and to check out the progress on the complex. All were treated to refreshments and hot dogs.

"The soldiers have worked really hard at getting the project done," said Frazier, "and they're not far from getting it done."

"If you told me two-and-a-half years ago that this is where we're at, I wouldn't have believed you," said Representative Yokley. "It just boggles my mind that we've come this far. And to see it today and how far they've come, it's just really special."

Representative Yokley managed to secure the backing of Major General Gus Hargett for the project nearly three years ago. When General Hargett retired, his replacement, Major General Terry M. 'Max' Haston, who carried on for General Hargett, and pushed through Washington's approval of the project."

"I don't think this would have been possible without General Hargett," said Representative Yokley. "It's really General Hargett that made this possible and General Haston carrying it through."

As a result of the Reserve unit's involvement, the Cocke County school system's cost has been minimal.

"We figure it would have cost nearly $800,000 to move the dirt," said Frazier, "the work that the Reserve unit has done. All we've paid for is the fuel the Reserve unit is using. You've really got to take your hat off to Dr. Paul Webb (Cosby Principal) and his wife (Dr. Judy Webb). They've gone out of their way to make sure the Reservists are well taken care of."

"We've done our best," said Dr. Paul Webb. "We've had a lot of help from volunteers and from our business community. These guys (Reservists) have done an incredible job and they're almost finished."