Leake Central High School Athletes Compete Amid Gas Fumes, Garbage Smell, Broken Bleachers, and Outhouse Bathrooms in Carthage, Mississippi
By Robert Harper
Leake Central High School Athletes Compete Amid Gas Fumes, Garbage Smell, Broken Bleachers, and Outhouse Bathrooms in Carthage, Mississippi
Visitors and supporters are shocked by the school’s deteriorating facilities.
November 17, 2026
This article was last updated by Alisha Shrestha on November 17, 2026
Leake Central High School athletes faced more than just their opponents on the field this week; they battled against challenging and unsafe conditions that would have tested even the most resilient students.
From gas fumes and overwhelming garbage odors to crumbling bleachers and outhouse-style bathrooms, the environment at the school’s facilities drew shock and concern from visiting supporters.
Shaunta McDowell, a visitor supporting McComb High School in the playoffs, recounted her experience with disbelief.
“Being at Leake Central made me appreciate McComb on a whole new level,” she said.
“The walking track looked like it hadn’t been touched in years. The soccer equipment was broken. The bleachers were shaking like every plank was holding on for dear life. The PA system? Literally just an amp. And the bathrooms… outhouse-style stalls that didn’t even give privacy. I was just standing there thinking to myself, ‘These kids are competing in THIS?’”
Despite these conditions, Leake Central’s athletes gave their all.
McDowell described the boys’ post-game demeanor as “disappointed, defeated, drained,” noting that the surroundings could wear anyone down before the scoreboard even did.
“They did so well to make it to the playoffs,” she added.
McDowell contrasted the experience with McComb’s facilities and support.
“Our boys were hyped. Our supporters were hyped. Our athletic director was hyped like he had just won the lottery. The energy was loud and proud. We were on edge because the game was tight, but we won—by one point. It felt like more because of what we were watching unfold around us.”
Her reflections emphasized a broader perspective.
“Some schools are fighting battles you can’t see by just looking at a scoreboard. Some kids are climbing uphill in ways people never talk about. McComb may not have everything, but seeing what other students are up against made me grateful on a whole different level.”
Sandra Henry, a local supporter, highlighted the ongoing struggles at Leake Central beyond the physical conditions.
“The smell of gas and garbage when you enter the gym and field is a hazard. Our kids deserve better,” she .
Henry also criticized administrative issues, claiming that embezzlement and favoritism have hindered progress at the school.
Still, she emphasized the resilience and character of Leake Central students.
“It’s not about material things. The kids are happy, smart, respectful, humble, and observant. They were cheated, not defeated,” she said.
While athletic talent and determination shine through, unsafe and poorly maintained facilities remain an uphill battle for both students and supporters.
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