By Henry Brost and Reid Campbell

Grover Jones Field has been a core part of Collegiate’s campus for years, and Collegiate has embarked on the replacement of the turf field. The old field surface was deemed unsafe due to field fibers breaking up. The school’s athletic teams have used the turf field for lacrosse, football, and other sports for years. Over time, the synthetic fibers began pulling out, creating uneven and hazardous playing conditions. 

We had the opportunity to talk with Athletic/Equipment and Transportation Coordinator Wilbur Athey about the turf replacement, who said, “The recent turf fibers are breaking, causing them to pull out of the ground, creating a safety hazard for players.” Coaches, players, and parents had expressed their concerns about the old turf. Varsity football player Charlie Stone (’25) said, “Knees, ankles, and hips would hurt after playing home games on the turf.” Harrison Baxter (’25) wrote in The Match last year about how research is emerging that artificial turf can cause significantly more injuries. 

The renovations that begin November 1 are expected to be completed in the next few weeks, and the new turf will not only benefit the school’s athletic programs but will also be available for community use, like Summer Quest and other sports camps, PE classes, and other athletic events.

All photos by Henry Brost.