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Soccer field reseeded to ensure quality
By Mac Williams
Driving down Howard Street this semester, students may notice what appears to be a brown patch of dirt where DeHaven field used to be.
This year, the University of Findlay has undergone many changes: the library was renovated, ground for the new college of business building was broken, and a new turf field was installed for the football and lacrosse teams to practice and play on. In a year when changes are happening rapidly, DeHaven Field is no exception.
According to Brandi Laurita, athletic director at UF, the field is being torn up so they can reseed the area in order to have a better playing surface this fall.
“We decided to do this because the surface on the field needed to be improved for both safety and playing performance reasons,” said Laurita. “Men’s and women’s soccer are very important at the University of Findlay and it is important to us that both teams have the best opportunity for success.”
According to Laurita, work began on the field right after the season ended in the fall to make sure the field would be ready for the start of next season.
UF’s athletic department declined to comment on the exact price tag of the project.
According to Laurita, the work of reseeding the field will be done by grounds staff at the University. According to Improvnet, the cost to seed the lawn of an average homeowner was $668 dollars. Due to DeHaven field being significantly larger than the average lawn, the cost of the project should be much higher.
According to Crystal Dye, head women’s soccer coach at the University of Findlay, the field restoration is going to be a great thing for her team next season.
“I think it great that we are getting the field resurfaced,” said Dye. “The new pitch will absolutely be beneficial for our team come this fall.”
According to Dye, the surface was in need of repair and this project fulfills that need.
“Last season at points the field was very soft and players would slide all over the place and it really became a safety issue as well as a hindrance to our overall performance,” said Dye. “DeHaven field has always been a place that we are proud to call home and with this project that feeling only continues.”
According to Courtney Van Horn, a sophomore at the University, the change to DeHaven field is something that is going to be beneficial to both current students and prospective students as well.
“I think as a student and certainly as a prospective student, athletic facilities are something that can make or break a decision,” said Van Horn. “It is great to see that our University takes such great care of its facilities and I think that only strengthens our pride in the University of Findlay.”
