Over the summer, the West Po stadium field was redone and updated. The new field has improved fiber (helix fiber) that is more durable compared to the old field. The turf holds up better against UV rays and the environment and the field is installed with a shock pad to help prevent concussions. Lastly, the stadium field has an organic infill that in long run will be better for the environment. But with all of the advantages to the field, how do athletes feel about playing on it?
Ben Knapp, junior, has been playing football since fifth grade. He expressed both the positives and negatives of the new turf. “I think it (the new field) looks pretty nice. I don’t like it because of the surface,” Knapp said. The new field is filled with tiny rocks, which can cause scrapes when falling.
Another football player, Zion Blackwell agrees with Knapp. Blackwell said that the new field can increase his speed, helping him accelerate during games. “The new field is nice, but the surface is rocky. When you fall, it can hurt,” Blackwell added.
Football isn’t the only team that uses the field. Senior, Mary Shaw, has been playing field hockey for four years at West Po. “I don’t like it (the new field). It’s really deep, the ball moves slower which makes us put a lot more effort into our hits and stuff.” Mary Shaw does say that the new turf is better for the environment, but it isn’t enough to make up for all the negatives. She misses the old turf, and when playing in game the fear of falling is overwhelming. “I’ve taken a fall on the new field, it left a big scar on my leg.” Mary Shaw said.
Sophomore field hockey player, Genovive Riley, likes the new field. “It doesn’t get as hot as the old turf, which is nice when you are running up and down the field.” Riley does express that the new turf needs to be worn down, so when a player falls, the injuries won’t be as severe. Riley does acknowledge the challenges with the new field, but despite it, she still prefers the new turf.
Matthew MacDonald, director of student activities has worked here for a little under two years. He has overseen the field’s progression from the start in June till the end in September.
“We were due for new turf. The old stadium turf had a lot of issues and it needed to be fixed.” MacDonald listed the benefits of the new turf along with another piece of information. “For the first month, after they laid the turf out, it is going to feel a little hard,” Macdonald said. “Some of our guys will probably get some turf burn, but after that (the first month), it should feel nice and soft.”
