As the 2014 athletic season kicks-off, there are decisions being made in time for the 2015 fall season. Extending the field, adding turf and obtaining an eight lane track is what football, soccer, track and band participants can look forward to for next year’s season.

“This would require the widening of the field to accommodate soccer, field hockey and potential lacrosse games (in the future). The widening of the field is the reason for the new track being built, along with working on a plan to reconfigure the shot put and horizontal jump areas. This project requires the least amount of money being spent when compared with the other options,” Antioch Community High School Athletic Director Schoenfelder said. “With the field that is jointly being developed by the district and the village and other areas that can potentially be used, we will have enough quality fields to conduct contests on, while using McMilllen for practice areas for soccer, field hockey, as well as softball. It also now allows our PE classes to use of the stadium for PE stations during the day, and will give the marching band more access to the stadium to rehearse. Potentially the band will be able to host contests in the stadium which will reduce the need for fundraising during the year.”

For football, there are many advantages to having turf.

“Turf is great for any weather or any sport. The field doesn’t get soaking wet when it rains and allows for better traction in climate weather. The downside though is that it gets very very hot in the sun. But turf allows all of our school’s sports to play under the lights at the stadium which in the past was never possible,” said senior and captain of the football team Matt Stiglic. “I think it’s kinda bittersweet that we [seniors] get to play on grass for the last time. I love the field and stadium as it is, but then again I love being exposed to the newest things our school offers.”

Soccer players are glowing at the thought of playing under the lights.

Junior Danny Brito said, “I personally would rather play on turf because it is faster paced and that’s the type of soccer I like. As a team we will probably have some difficulties getting used to the field because we aren’t used to playing on turf, but we don’t play on other teams’ turf fields so it won’t be totally different for us.”

The addition of turf creates advantages to the track athletes, as well, including being able to invite more high schools without adding time onto track meets. Eight lanes are typical for a track and now Antioch Community High School will be up to date. In hopes of keeping up with demand, maintenance should remain fairly simple to take care of the field. As the turf remains green for the whole year, hopefully the Sequoit athletes do not slip or slide. As expensive as this journey may be, it can be inferred the school will get their money’s worth throughout the many games and meets we host. Maybe keeping our turf durable for another 100 years.