Twelve years ago, when Dow Smith’s son was playing football for Smyrna High School, they walked into an opposing team’s weight room and Dow was impressed by the facility and all of the things that were available to that team’s players. But he also had a chip on his shoulder because he didn’t understand why the athletes at Smyrna High didn’t have everything they needed to be successful.

On Monday, Dow spoke to the Smyrna High football team in the team’s old field house before opening the doors to their new one: a beautiful 8,000-square-foot building that includes a weight room, offices, and a locker room for coaches, a space for trainers and a kitchen. A newly created lobby connects the new field house to the old one, which will become locker rooms, a manager area, laundry, and storage.

The new field house was made possible by a generous donation from Smyrna Ready Mix and was designed and built by Dow Smith Company. Ryan Sanford was the Project Manager and Zac Neely was the superintendent.

When speaking with the football players, Dow reflected on the time twelve years ago when he walked into that other team’s weight room.

“I used that chip on my shoulder to dig a little deeper,” Dow said. “If you have that chip on your shoulder, I’m going to keep wearing it. Keep wearing it.”

After Dow was finished speaking, the new facility was unveiled and players ran in cheering before getting to do a workout.

But first, Dow left them with some inspiration.

“I’m going to ask you to be generous, I’m going to ask you to be grateful, and I’m going to ask you to be holy,” he said. “You are sacred. You’re set apart.”

To hear Dow talk with Smyrna High Football Coach Matt Williams about football, the field house, and life lessons, check out the episode below.