Nevada's high school football landscape has been undergoing a facelift over the past half dozen years...And we're not talking about realignment in this case.
Many of our member schools have added turf, lights or both to their football facilities over the past few years, making Friday Night football a more common occurrence across our state. With these improvements, a complete new sense of school pride and spirit has evolved in many communities across our state.
Pictured is the newly renovated South Tahoe Vikings football field
Each member school who has committed to these major improvement projects has their own story to tell. From the initial "dream idea" to actually playing of a game, there are tales of massive fundraising efforts, individual and community involvement, alongwith all the usual setbacks and hurdles. The road from breaking dirt to completion has been a long one for most.
The size of the school doesn't seem to matter, as the upgrades have come in all NIAA member school classifications - 1A to 4A.
Starting in the 1A, it was the Virginia City Muckers
who took on the challenge back in 2006 with the Muckers taking the field in the Fall of 2007 (see story). Football is now back for good in the Comstock after not fielding a team since sometime back in the 1950's.
Eureka High School is very proud of their new turf football field and track facility. Constrcution began back in April 2009 and the Vandals played their first football game on the new surface (named Crutchley Field) September 24th, 2010.
In the Class 2A, The Meadows updated their football facilities back in 2009, using the first of its kind surface, an AstroTurf called "GameDay Grass"
Wooster High School, a longtime football power in the Northern 4A, has traditionally played their home games on Saturday afternoons, but now has lights and will be playing some home games on Friday nights this coming season. Bishop Manogue Catholic High School has done the same and will be playing some games this season on Friday Nights. (See Story)
The Nye County School District started a facility renovation at Pahrump Valley High School back in 2005. With that, they were able to host a NIAA regional track event in the Spring of 2006. Now with new artificial turf, bleachers, lighting and a PA system in place, the Trojans now host football and soccer events as well.
There are other schools who have gone away from grass and now have synthetic field turf - as these surfaces offer opportunities for year round use, rain or shine. School officials also say the artificial fields save money on maintenance and reduce the risk of injury.
NIAA Member Schools with artificial turf football fields:
1A: Eureka / Indian Springs / Pyramid Lake / Virginia City
2A: The Meadows / ROP / Yerington / White Pine
3A: Dayton / Fernley / South Tahoe
4A: Arbor View / Bishop Gorman / Bishop Manogue / Carson / Clark / Damonte Ranch / Douglas / Faith Lutheran / McQueen / Pahrump Valley / Rancho / Valley
