OREGON — Instead of coaching Oregon baseball this year, Coach Nate Girton is working his old job.

With schools closed for the year by COVID-19, Girton has put his all into finishing construction of a press box and storage shed at the school’s baseball diamond. Girton used to own his own construction business and worked in the industry for 10 years.

“As a person and with kids coming through, it was about money,” Girton said. “It would cost a fortune to pay a construction company to do this and that’d be hard to do. The old shed, you couldn’t even walk in it. We’re trying to get baseball up to par here at the school.”

The new building will have lockers for players, a place to operate the scoreboard, storage for equipment and maintenance tools and a nice view of the field.

The process started just less than 2 years ago. Girton has been working on it since October. He estimates that it is 80%done and will be completed by June. Lately, siding and lockers are being added. The school’s maintenance crew will be hooking up electricity soon.

The building is 16 by 20 feet. A virtual tour of the will be available on the school district 's social media soon.

“This project has me motivated and excited,” Girton said. “I wish we’d have a season and [the players] could see the progress. It’s been a real good bonding moment for one of my assistant coaches and I. It’s gotten me out of the house, and it’s given me a place to think.”

Others have been volunteering, including, Dalton Hermes, one of his players, and OHS graduate Jarrett Reynolds, who were on site helping Girton on Thursday.

Although this year's seniors won’t be able to use the facility, Girton hopes it will be enjoyed for years to come by other Oregon baseball players.

It's a bittersweet time for Girton.

“As a coach, the hardest part is not seeing seniors. They finish their schooling and don’t have the chance to play. I don’t get to see them or say goodbye.”