ELMA, Wash. — Chance Brogan’s family thought about starting a scholarship in his memory, but they found something they say he would have liked better: building a high school football stadium.
Brogan was 22 years old when he died by suicide in 2022.
His family hopes to have the Chance Brogan Memorial Stadium at Elma High School ready for opening kickoff in the fall of 2025.
“I think having this stadium where his nieces and nephews can play someday day is, would be, so much more meaningful, in his name. I think he is looking down on us right now, and he’s proud and excited,” said Brogan’s sister, Delaney Holcomb.
Holcomb started a foundation, A Chance to Play, to support youth sports, something that was close to Brogan’s heart. She said the stadium is only the foundation’s first project.
“It’s exciting and emotional,” said Ken Brogan, Chance Brogan’s father.
He said building the stadium, with sheltered seats for 1,300, will cost an estimated $4 million.
Ken Brogan said the foundation still has more than $1 million to raise, but he is confident the project will be completed.
“I’m looking forward to coming down here and my grandkids are going to be running down this field with the ball. I can’t wait, I’ll be here,” said Ken Brogan.
Elma Superintendent Chris Nesmith said the school board still needs to approve the project, but he is grateful the foundation wants to help Elma.
”I think it’s a great time to have good community partnerships,” said Nesmith, who just had to eliminate $750,000 from the district’s budget for the coming school year.
Nesmith said voters had rejected bond proposals that included funding for stadium renovations seven times.