They’re putting the finishing touches on a new outdoor athletic facility at
Ph.’s high school, the oldest high school in Syracuse city. Right, just in
time for his junior year, so the timing turned out to be pretty good for him.
They’re calling the complex "Field of Legends," which, considering it’s
never been tread upon means one of two things. Either the "Legends" part
will be asserted when alums are basking in nostalgia over the feats accomplished on
the old field (the worn pitch called "Old Rutty"?) or the "Legends" part
will be determined by those who have yet to set foot on the field, like Ph. and
his cohort. Or
both. So it could mean three things.
What you should know: play will commence on the new turf field on Friday,
September 7, for football, and on Saturday, September 8, for girls and boys
soccer–all against the nearby prep school rival, Christian Brothers Academy.
Doubtful I will be on hand for all of the fanfare, but you’ll be sure to find me
at the field for the boys soccer home opener vs. CBA under the lights on the
8th.
Friday September 7, 2007
Opening Ceremony-12:45 PM
Football Alumni/VIP Reception Tent-5:00 PM
Military Color Guard/Recognition of Former Football Championship Teams/Coin
Toss-6:45 PM
Varsity Football Game vs CBA-7:05 PM
Saturday September 8, 2007
Tailgate Kick-off
Recognition of Alumni Teams
3:00 PM Alumni Soccer Game
5:00 PM Varsity Girls Soccer Game vs CBA
7:00 PM Varsity Boys Soccer Game vs CBA
I am really looking forward to high school football games this fall. No new facilities, but I’ve been watching the groundskeeper get things in shape at Macomb HS, since I do speed work on the track. And there’s just something lovely about a wide expanse of green carefully mowed and lined and lit.
We haven’t taken in any H.S. football games in NY, but that’s in large part because Ph.’s soccer schedule gets us out to the field a couple of times each week. I love outdoor fall sports–the cool air, the lights, etc. The new field has turf on it because it’s such a high-traffic field. Growing grass there has been a grounds keeper’s nightmare for many years. I’m anxious to get closer to the field itself so I know what sort of surface it is, whether it’s a high-end synthetic material (plastics with actual root systems) or something that will be ridiculously hard and fast come October.
So, you’re the father of a legend- maker? Cool.