Since the turf field got approved in 2023 both students, athletes and families have been anxiously awaiting its opening. Athletes were always questioning and wondering when they would finally run across the brightly lit field. Last Friday, September 6th 2024 the happy news was broken to Region 16 that our Woodland Hawks Football team would be able to have their home opener on the new turf field.
“It was hard to keep the secret because everyone was asking me,” said athletic director Chris Dailey. “I definitely had to avoid some people but it was nice to surprise everyone together.”
Everyone has a really positive outlook towards the future in the Woods, especially with the support from the administration.
“We started construction on December 4th 2023, and the crew kept on working through the winter and spring,” stated Woodland principal Kurt Ogren. “Ultimately we made our deadline which is phenomenal and we turn the keys over on Friday the 13th at 3:00 pm”.
Players are also very excited for new beginnings on this field.
“I am very excited and I also liked how Mr. Dailey kept it a secret,” said junior captain Mark Poulin. “He did a great job.”
The seniors have awaited this moment for a long time as well; this is a momentous triumph for them as well as new and returning players.
“It’s exciting,” says senior captain Will Brooks. “We got the whole community coming to the game. We are playing our rival for the first game so it’s going to be fun.”
These players on the football team and all other sports are now a part of Woodland history. As this is a multi purpose field, the boys and girls soccer teams can also put this field to good use. Their home openers are on Tuesday, September 17th as a double header: Boys 4:00 pm and Girls 6:30 pm.
The track and field team will also be benefiting from this remodel come springtime as the track is also brand new. The old grass field has been at Woodland since its opening in 2001, so refreshing our field’s to is a big part of the school’s legacy. It is also helping the prevention of future injuries that had happened previously on the old field.
“I’m really excited to play on the new field,” stated junior Benjamin Pugliese. “The old field wasn’t the best so I’m excited to play.”
With the history left behind from the old field, new legacies are waiting to make their mark with the potential from all sports winning in their Naugatuck Valley League conference and even having the opportunity to go to the Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference state finals. Hopes and dreams will hopefully become a reality on this field.
With all of the excitement, people are ready for the return of Friday Night Lights on Friday, September 13th 2024.
