Joel Schieck of the Wescott Field Project said he didn't know how many hours the project's volunteers had put in, but shared other numbers with the Austin School Board Tuesday night:

– Brackets removed and replaced from bleachers: 1,300

– Bolts removed from bleachers: 7,700

– Benches removed and replaced: 1,400

"That was hard work. Most of us were on our knees with our heads crammed under the benches," Schieck said.

Of the 74 volunteers recognized at Tuesday's school board meeting, 19 showed up to receive certificates of appreciation and enjoy refreshments.

Schieck said the Phase I of the project has been completed and that to date, more than $3 million has been raised for the $4.2 million restoration of Wescott Field. Phase II, which includes the bleacher renovation also restores the rest of the interior stadium, additional locker rooms for both boys and girls, new points of entry and new concession and restroom facilities. Phase III calls for the restoration of the tennis courts, landscaping, lighting and parking. During Phase I a new track and field complex was installed including expanded soccer and football field, new scoreboards and a new baseball complex at Riverland Community College.

"There was tremendous effort by many people. Without those people, we would not be able to accomplish as much as we have so far," Schieck said.

The project has been funded completely by private donations and will be used by the school and the public.

"What's been accomplished so far has been a great credit to the community," said school board chairman David Simonson.

Cari Quam can be reached at 4343-2235 or by e-mail at cari.quam@austindailyherald.com