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Talawanda making progress toward new turf field

Submitted An artist's rendering shows the mock-up of the future Talawanda High school football field. Contributed art

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By Jay Morrison, Staff Writer Updated 10:33 AM Thursday, January 7, 2010

OXFORD — Administrators, teachers and students have plenty to be excited about as the Talawanda School District prepares to open its new high school in 2011.

And one of things Athletic Director Chris Weaver is looking forward to most is watching the Braves sports teams actually getting to play their home games at home.

“We’ve had to move several football and soccer games because of poor field conditions, but that won’t be an issue if we’re able to install a synthetic turf field,” Weaver said. “We’re excited about the opportunity to do this for our student athletes and the entire community.”

A steering committee chaired by Randi Thomas has set up a Web site — www.thsfieldofdreams.org — where people can read more about the project as well as view a video presentation and computer renditions.

According to the Web site, the committee has raised 33 percent of the funds needed to install the synthetic surface.

“We’re making progress,” Weaver said. “We’ve got some great momentum with our fund-raising, and we’re continuing to try to forge ahead to make our goal.”

Dozens of schools in Greater Cincinnati have installed artificial surfaces, with costs ranging between $750,000 and $1 million. But the committee at Talawanda is in the unique position of only having to raise about half that amount because contractors will not have to rip up an existing field before laying a new one.

But the opportunity to start from scratch comes with a deadline.

“We need to have all the funds pledged by June,” Weaver said. “If we don’t, they’re going to begin installing a grass field because the grass will need a full growing season.”

The project recently received a shot in the arm from McCullough-Hyde Hospital, which pledged $10,000 a year for the next 10 years. Other top donors include the THS athletic boosters ($50,000), the band boosters ($15,000) and the Talawanda Bantam Football Association ($15,000).

The committee also has applied for a field grant from the NFL that could bring in an additional $200,000.

“We’re trying to take every step possible to go after every opportunity, including grants,” Weaver said. “We’re trying to do everything we can to ease the financial burden we’re asking of our families.”

Contact this reporter at (

513

)

820-

193

jmorrison@coxohio.com.

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