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DeVaughn Thanks Town of Coosada for Support for USA Academy, Invites Public to Meeting Thursday

By Andrew Edwards, Staff Writer

Dusty DeVaughn stepped up to address the Town Council of Coosada on Tuesday night about his proposed school, USA Academy, and all eyes and ears were eagerly awaiting to hear updates about the project.

However, some were disappointed when the anticipated updates never came.

DeVaughn told the EAN his primary purpose at the Tuesday night meeting was to simply thank the Town and its residents for the support he has received. But he stressed that Thursday night at 6 p.m. at the Coosada Fire Station will be the place to come and hear the latest updates, and for the community to ask any questions they may have about USA Academy.

“I would just like to thank the Town of Coosada for being so supportive during the past few weeks. I’m here to change the future of student athletes in Alabama and put them on a bigger platform. The mayor, council members, and everyone in community – you’re all the reason that we are where we are right now,” DeVaughn Said.

Where exactly is USA Academy right now?

At DeVaughn’s January 2 press conference for the hiring of Coach Rush Propst, he said that their board members and premier partners would be released within the next week or two on their website. It was also said that the school was set to break ground on January 20, five days from now.

We confirmed with the Coosada officials that necessary paperwork has not yet been filed to proceed with actual construction. For now, DeVaughn said a big hurdle is simply clearing the land in preparation for construction work, which does not require permits. The heavy rain in recent days, and more projected, is causing a delay. He is adamant that the project is moving forward and there will be more updates in the very near future. 

The last update on the website at theusaacademy.com as of 4 p.m. today is from Jan. 6 where DeVaughn released information that Jeff Kent had been hired as Defensive Coordinator for the planned football program.

DeVaughn said there are multiple press releases ready to go, and they are being reviewed at this time before they are published.

 “We look forward to working with the town throughout this entire process to make sure we cross every T and dot every I,” DeVaughn said. “But as stated, there will be no delay in USA Academy’s Fall Sports programs.”

Those who want to know more about the current state of USA Academy can attend DeVaughn’s public forum at the Coosada Fire Station on Thursday, January 16 at 6 p.m. DeVaughn made it clear that he wants people to come out and ask whatever questions they may have.

The EAN will be in attendance and will have a report after the meeting.