By Gil Pound
MILLEDGEVILLE, Ga. | A $2 million donation is paving the way for major renovations to John Kurtz Field, home of the Georgia College and State University Bobcat baseball team.
The gift – the largest in Georgia College Athletics history – comes via the E.R. Snell Contractor, of Snellville, a fifth-generation family-owned and operated leader in Georgia’s asphalt and road construction industry.
The historic donation ushers in a new era for the storied Georgia College baseball program. The renovated baseball facility will be renamed, pending final approval by the University System of Georgia Board of Regents.
GCSU President Cathy Cox says: “This renovation will modernize our baseball facility and enhance the gameday experience for fans. We cannot wait to cheer Bobcat baseball to victory at E.R. Snell Family Stadium at John Kurtz Field.”
Founded in 1923, E.R. Snell mobilizes 1,200 employees to take on some of the state’s most significant infrastructure projects from bridge constructions to highway widenings and major interstate interchange improvements.
E.R. Snell and GCSU have a strong relationship. E.R. Snell Assistant Vice President Chandler Snell (’11) is a Bobcat alumnus and former member of the baseball team. His brother, Jared Snell, attended Georgia College and is the company’s executive vice president and chief operating officer. Their cousin, Devin Snell, is vice president of special projects and also attended GCSU. Robin Snell, father to Chandler and Jared and E.R. Snell’s president from 1997 to 2017, formerly served on the GCSU Foundation Board of Trustees. Several other company officers are Bobcat alumni as well, further cementing the connection between the company and the university.
Now a leader within the company, Chandler Snell was also a leader at Georgia College when he was a four-year starter at shortstop for Bobcat baseball. His senior season in 2010 was the most recent time the program made it to the NCAA Division II World Series. Snell was named to the All-Southeast Region Tournament Team after numerous highlight-reel defensive plays helped the Bobcats punch their World Series ticket.
“Winning the regional that day in South Carolina was a special time in my life,” Snell said. “We were a player-led team with a lot of seniors that were able to grow over the four years we were together .… We had a lot of discipline and a lot of accountability and reliability.”
All of those attributes have helped Snell in his professional career overseeing E.R. Snell’s private operations. He and the leadership team love seeing Bobcat alumni apply for open positions with the company.
“Every day we’re looking to hire talented, smart, driven people that can help in our business,” Snell said. “At Georgia College we’ve found that not only are the students disciplined and smart, but they also have a culture about them. When we’re looking to draw people in through our internship program, we’re looking for smart minds that can come in and push our current employees every day to be better, whether it’s accounting, marketing, or putting on a pair of boots and going to work.”
High Line Criterium coming to Suwanee on May 2
Get ready to roll, Gwinnett! The High Line Criterium, presented by the Gwinnett Sports Commission, returns to downtown Suwanee on Saturday, May 2, bringing high-speed cycling, family-friendly activities, and a vibrant community atmosphere to Town Center on Main.
Now part of the prestigious USA CRITS circuit, this professional cycling event will feature elite athletes competing on a fast-paced, spectator-friendly course.
A criterium, or “crit,” is an exciting form of bicycle racing. Cyclists race multiple short laps on a closed course, passing spectators again and again at impressive speeds. The format creates an action-packed experience where fans are never far from the excitement—whether standing curbside or watching from above on Suwanee’s elevated pedestrian bridge, a unique vantage point offering sweeping views of the course.
Races will begin at 1 p.m. and continue throughout the evening, culminating in the Men’s Pro 1/2 race at 7:20 p.m. This year also introduces a new Juniors race category for riders ages 9–14 and 15–18, expanding opportunities for young cyclists to join the action.
Beyond the racecourse, the High Line Criterium offers a full day of entertainment for all ages. Attendees can enjoy live music, food trucks, local vendors, and a lively, tailgate-style atmosphere. Families will find plenty to keep kids engaged, including inflatables at Town Center on Main and access to PlayTown via the Brushy Creek Trail.
Food and beverage options will be available throughout the event, including offerings from food trucks at Suwanee Circle and nearby Town Center restaurants. Additional highlights include a hydration station from Purify IV, interactive art and photo opportunities at the Tour de Polka Dot installation, and official High Line merchandise available.
The event is free to attend and open to all ages. Dogs are welcome on a leash, and strollers are encouraged.
