by Sam Geelan, PAW Writer
As you look out Providence Academy’s west windows, you can finally see a turf field! The weather has been better than last spring and there is hope for PA’s football team to have the opportunity to play their home games with new stands and a new turf field.
I stopped in to speak with the Director of Advancement, Michael Scholl, who is a part of the PA team in charge of the Athletic Sports Complex Project. Mr. Scholl was very excited on the progress and gave me his insights for the project going forward. “When the PA students return to school in September, the new turf field will be ready to go.” To all football players, ”Get fired up, you will be the first team to play on our new awesome football field.” Also, the stadium will have both home and visitor’s stands, and the track completed. The tennis courts will not be ready when school begins, however hopefully before the Girls’ Tennis schedule is completed (keep your finger crossed ladies). Hopefully, the boys and girls soccer teams will be able to play their games on the turf and when the snow flies, the dome will be inflated so other student athletes will be able to train for their sport.
Next, update on the completion of the Field House. This large structure will be located on the south side of the field, it will provide concessions, restrooms and additional storage. However the completion time line is early 2016. One of the reasons for the delay is PA officials had to go back to the city of Plymouth for a height variance. They received a unanimous approval from city officials. Mr. Scholl gave me a sneak preview regarding PA’s Homecoming plans for next fall. “We are very excited for Homecoming and Grandparents day for the Upper and Middle schools because both are on the same day, Friday October 9th, 2015. The administration is planning for the Grandparents and special persons to spend time with their grandchildren and special friends throughout the school day. When classes conclude for the day, PA will host a fancy reception for the entire PA community until it’s time to walk over and cheer for a Lion victory. Our opponent is a co-op team that includes the Blake Bears, Minnehaha Red hawks, and St. Paul Academy Spartans on the new turf field!” In addition, Mr. Scholl said that there will be a “Big Event” at halftime, so make sure your phones are charged up to record.
Finally, on the 50-yard line, the turf will have the PA shield representing Faith, Knowledge, and Virtue. After the football games, be sure to take pictures with your friends and family next to the PA shield. For completion of a project like this our PA community has persevered like never before, which is a testimony to these virtues. One final note about the completion of the new turf field inspired by Calvin Coolidge is “Press On- Nothing in the world cam take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan Press On has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race.”