The City of Alexandria named the football stadium at Frank O. Hunter Park after long-time local football coach Wardell Ballentine Saturday, Aug. 17, 2019. Members of Coach Ballentine’s family as well as local elected officials and friends were on hand to share stories about working with and playing for the late coach, who passed away Nov. 28, 2016. Ballentine coached at several schools in Rapides Parish including Lincoln Road Elementary School, Alexandria Junior High School and Jones Street Junior High School. He retired from the Rapides Parish School System after 38 years of dedicated service. He also served on several boards including Alexandria Coliseum Board and Alexandria Business and Civic League where he served as president. Ballentine was a devout fan and supporter of Southern University football. As a result of his dedication, in 2008, Southern University developed and dedicated the RV Park, known as Ballentine Plaza, in his honor.
