We are just over six weeks away from the opening week of the high school football season. And it will be a noticeably different look when attending games around the tri-lakes this season.
Both Reeds Spring and Hollister installed Artificial Turf in the off-season. They join Branson and Forsyth which went to the “fake stuff” a few years ago. And, what a welcome addition it is for both..
Reeds Spring, through its relationship with Pro Football Hall of Fame President David Baker, learned of an opportunity to purchase NFL-grade turf from the University of Cincinnati. The Bearcats had just installed new turf a few years ago but was going to have to replace it again due to sharing the field with a professional soccer team. It turned out to be a great opportunity for Reeds Spring. They were able to replace one of the worst playing surfaces in the area with top of the line artificial turf at a substantial discount. In addition they will erecting a state of the art scoreboard complete with video capabilities.
Hollister already had a field that was the envy of many. Its grass surface was as good as I have seen at just about any level. But a chance to replace it made since as well. And through the fundraising efforts of Coach Jacob Hamon and his administrators, as well as the generosity of local businesses the Tigers will be playing on the brand new surface. They also have a new look to their scoreboard.
For both schools it is a great accomplishment and will help out tremendously. Not only will the football team be using it, but the band, Physical Education Classes, and just about anything the school would need to utilize it for. The days of rain causing problems that may last the whole season are gone. Days of worrying about too much going on the field, and how much will it get messed up are in the past. Moms, those days of muddy uniforms will be nearly gone. And, in the long run it will be better economically as well.
Congrats to both schools and the communities. Once again the dedication to the students rings true.
