Farmers & Merchants Bank of Colby helped Colby Community College move closer to building the Big Blue Barn athletics practice facility with a $50,000 donation this week.

“Colby Community College is tremendously grateful for the generosity of F and M Bank," said college president Dr. Seth Carter. "With donations like this, our dream of the Big Blue Barn is closer to reality.”

The 18,000 square-foot building will feature a wrestling room, weight room, locker room, a track around the perimeter and a multi-purpose turfed area with drop-down batting cages. Additionally, the facility offers opportunities for the general student population and the community to stay active.

The estimated cost of the project is $1.5 million. With the F & M Bank contribution, CCC has raised approximately $633,500 in committed funds. The goal is to reach $750,000 by Dec. 31 and then apply for a matching grant before breaking ground in March 2019.

Completion is anticipated around the beginning of the 2019-20 academic year, 20 years after CCC won the national wrestling championship.