Ground Broken for On Campus Football/Soccer Field
Posted July 16th, 2008 in Athletics, Development, High School Comments Off
Covina, CA On Thursday June 26, 2008 renovations began on the east field in an effort to install an on campus football/soccer field. For three years the school has been talking to the Charter Oak School District about removing the Oak tree that sits on an inconveniently placed hill in the middle of the field. The football staff, Athletic Department, along with Greg Saugstad (Head of Facilities) found a way around the tree.
click here to view the field construction photo gallery
With the new plan the school will be able to fit a football/soccer field running north and south while drastically improving the playing surface. It is also the hopes of the field committee that we can extend the length of the soccer field while still accommodating the 60 yards of width needed for quality play. The current plan that went into action two weeks ago, with Splash Pools spearheading the charge, started with the demolition of the trash wall next to the senior parking lot along with some concrete and black top. The hill spoken about above was cut back allowing us to acquire the yardage needed. This week the relocation of the irrigation timer has been accomplished along with trimming the oak tree back further. Aeration of the entire field is slated to take place tomorrow. Step three will be to replace all irrigation heads with heads that will sit flat for safety during play. Once that is completed top soil will be brought in and a work day may be called for, all parents and athletes, to fill in and level the field to get it ready for reseeding; this may be accomplished without a work day. This process needs to be completed by July 20th in order for the seed to take and be strong enough for the first home football game September 11th (JV).
Other projects that need to be accomplished will be some concrete work around what will become the entrance, installation of field goal posts, installation of a score board, installation of bleachers, as well as lining the field. The Athletic Department is currently working with a group with the hopes of getting a scoreboard donated and bleachers donated. We were told last week that the scoreboard should not be a problem, but we are still praying for the follow through. Western Christian has agreed to pay for the field renovation costs and the Athletic Boosters have been assigned to come up with money for the other items needed. The other items needed are:
- 2 goose neck yellow high school regulation field goals -$4500
- 300 yards of fence wind screens -$2800
- 30 yards of fence padding -$900
- Benches -$2500
If you are interested in donating money for this purpose please contact Athletic Director Mark Gabbard via e-mail mgabbard@westernchristian.org or by phone at 626-375-8816. Superintendant Karen Winter still projects us moving to a new campus in the near future so it is important to understand that all of the money donated will go towards items that will go with us when we leave. Mrs. Winter and Mr. Saugstad has been a driving force behind approving the field renovations and their passion for seeing us play on campus is evident.
It is exciting to see Athletics and Western Christian as a whole moving forward. The spirit on campus and the feeling of ownership will definitely enhance the atmosphere on campus. WE NEED YOUR HELP!
