All fields projected to be completed by winter season
The upper football field, which began renovation in late September 2011, was ready for the graduation ceremony of the class of 2012. Now, 11 months after construction began, the upper field is now ready for official home games.
A few weeks ago, on Aug. 10, the football team became the first team at MVHS to use the new turf field.
“The field itself is a lot better than the old field,” varsity football head coach Jeff Mueller said. “It will withstand weather and there will be reduced injuries because the field is level.”
The new fields mean not only better practice and game spaces for the sports teams, but also a change in the sports environment. According to Mueller, MVHS’ Athletic Boosters club is trying to put together weekly tailgate parties before the Friday football games, and a home field means less travel time and expenses for members of the football team as well as more spectators.
“There’s a buzz in the community because [MVHS] will finally host night games,” Mueller said. “I anticipate the stands being full.”
The marching band will also be present at all home games, adding to the atmosphere. According to Drum Major senior Ryan Lo, marching band is implementing field shows for the first time in three years and will put on choreographed performances during halftime. In addition, the new bleachers will accommodate the pep band, allowing them to provide music throughout the game.
According to Assistant Principal Brad Metheany, a large amount of progress over the summer made possible the use of the fields for this season. Additions include mostly aesthetics and landscaping. Restrooms are now operational, as are the sheds and bleachers, and the snack shack will be delivered an ice box later this week. The last major addition that has not been completed is the wrought iron fencing that will enclose the field area.
Since construction efforts have been aimed mostly toward the upper field during the last few months — in order to allow the class of 2012 to graduate at MVHS — work on the lower field is much further behind.
“The [lower] field itself has to be leveled, compacted, tested,” Metheany said. “Then they have to put all the drainage in and then the base rock, pebble rock, gravel. Rolling out turf will take little time, maybe a week. [But drainage and gravel] are going to take some time, probably months. I would be surprised if the lower field was done by Nov. 1.”
Those fields, used for soccer, field hockey, baseball and softball, are projected to be completed in the winter.
The frosh/soph and varsity football teams will play their first games on the new turf in a scrimmage against Homestead High School on Friday, Aug. 24.
