The Hartley Sentinel-The Everly/Royal News - Serving O'Brien & Clay Counties

It may not look like it from the outside, but Clay Central/Everly's former 7-12 grade building is undergoing some big changes.

The facility is getting new life thanks to Guardian Education and Athletic Services (GEA), a non-profit firm planning to open a post-secondary program for athletes who wish to continue both their athletic and education careers. The school district officially signed over the deed in October and renovation work got underway immediately.

GEA co-founder Brent Koppie said rarely a day goes by without somebody doing something at the school.

"It was a well-maintained building and everything," he said. "Right now, it's just about upgrading its efficiency."

GEA had hoped to have students in the building by now, but the soft opening has been delayed so initial renovations can be completed. Work on the old ag building, shop, cafeteria and future residential wing has been prioritized early on. The boiler will also be replaced once a contractor is available, according to Koppie.

"Our biggest obstacle has been replacing the heating system," he said, noting the old boiler's extreme inefficiency. "We've been adding new insulation where we can and are working on fixing windows that need it. Basically we've prioritized anything that can help lower utility costs."

GEA plans to offer wrestling, mixed martial arts, soccer and baseball, with planned growth to include additional sports later on. Koppie said they hope to host small mixed martial arts competitions as soon as possible, but COVID-19 restrictions may cause delays.

GEA purchased the entire school property, including all outbuildings, for $5,000. Koppie said the group hopes to open the building to the community as much as possible. The group has tossed around ideas for a wellness center, community garden and car wash.

"We're taking a look at different things the community might need that we can help out with," he said. "It's a really nice building and we're hoping to utilize some of the space for everyone to use."

GEA still hopes to have a small number of students on site this spring. If things go well, a "hard opening" would follow in the fall with between 36-60 students. The next goal would include expansion of facilities and staff to accommodate up to 100 students per year if capacity goals are met within the first year of operation.

"We haven't really gone full-bore with the recruiting, but we've gotten pretty good interest and people so far," Koppie said.

Around 30 volunteers have helped with renovations during the last three months. GEA will keep pushing ahead, and Koppie said the entire process has been a fun experience.

"It's been very labor intensive, but very exciting and very rewarding. We're really starting to see it all come together and seeing progress," he said. "We're excited to see some things wrapping up and we're excited to get more kids there in the fall."

• The bigger picture

GEA revealed their intentions for the building in a business plan submitted to the school board and Everly City Council in July. The board agreed to move forward with the sale of the building at its meeting on July 27.

"What separates GEA from regular community colleges or universities is that many of the students we will work to attract are not currently achieving the ACT/SAT scores, GPA or class rank to gain enrollment to many collegiate programs," stated the business plan summary. "Some of these students will be dealing with learning disabilities while some will be due more to circumstances such as a difficult home environment, the need to help support their families while in school, etc."

Once operational, GEA's program will be tuition based and hopes to partner with community colleges so students can take on-campus or online courses. Educational support and tutoring will be offered as well as athletic training in the student's desired sport.

"The advantage for students to attend GEA is individual training and academic support," states the business plan summary. "They will accelerate at a faster pace than their counterparts who are on a school team due to this individual attention on their particular needs."

Students will be onsite at the Everly building. GEA also hopes to eventually host competitive sporting events.

GEA is a Christian faith-based organization. Though not mandatory, students will be encouraged to participate in religious activities.

According to the business plan summary, GEA got its start from a "current, successful gym" that's been operational for three years. Individuals who helped found GEA include Daryl Dotson, JJ Cassaro, Koppie and Mike Bushby.