Last November, Coach John Daye’s gridiron warriors swept away a deficit to roar back and defeat Wilson Hall for the SC Independent School Association (SCISA) Class AAA title. Because of increased enthusiasm, the Highlanders’ roster has expanded from 35 varsity players a year ago to 43 for 2005.

Heathwood Hall will host its Highlanders’ Jamboree Friday night, August 19. Fans will be seated more comfortably in the enlarged football stadium with greatly enhanced lighting.

“We’ve tripled the visitor’s stands to accommodate about 700 fans,” said Highlanders’ Athletic Director Jeff Whalen. Seating at the private school’s arena has been increased to about 1,900. “Our old lighting was about 15 candles, but has been improved to 50.”

Other physical improvements include irrigation of the practice field and baseball field. “We’re also in the process of resurfacing our tennis courts, and at some point, will be re–doing our track. We’ve also completely refurbished the stadium concession stand and increased the size of the restroom area,” continued Whalen, who also serves as the school’s boys’ head basketball coach.

Friday’s Jamboree will pair Ben Lippen and Hammond School in the first two periods of play which will begin at 7 pm. Heathwood will take on Cardinal Newman High in the nightcap.

Heathwood will play Charleston’s Porter Gaud School August 26.

This past year, Heathwood doubled its basketball facilities with the addition of a second arena. The facility served as a joint playoff site for the (SCISA) championship tournament.

The school’s coaching staff has remained virtually intact with one notable change. Jack Warren, from Forsyth Country Day at Winston–Salem, NC, is the new women’s basketball coach. He will also assist with cross country.

Heathwood Hall is situated off Bluff Road. The entrance road is located approximately a block north of the exit to I-77.