As the new school year begins, football season, school drills, and Homecoming are quickly approaching from right around the corner. However, an issue is running through most students’ and teachers’ minds: “When will the track and field construction be over?” The field construction process started around the end of April 2024, and from recent Unity meetings, the Director of Athletics, Ms. Charmaine Schreiber, stated that we can expect construction to conclude around the end of September 2024. It has been proven that turf should last around eight to ten years. The turf at LHPS has not been replaced since around 2016. With the new turf, we can guarantee that in the following years, we won’t have to deal with this issue again. However, there are still lots of unanswered questions circulating: “What about home football games? What can we expect with the new field?”
For the duration of this construction time, cross-country athletes have been running outside of campus while the football players have been practicing at the LHAC: the Lake Highland Athletics Complex. Varsity football player, Nicholas Seferlis, grade 11, otherwise known as “Big Nick,” also stated that because of the recent rainy weather, it causes the LHAC’s grass to get muddy and wet, leaving players to slip more easily and get dirtier. Players have even mentioned rolling ankles as one of their concerns. Will these issues leave players less prepared for this new season?
One thing that a lot of students look forward to in the new fall season is the football games. However, we will have home football games in the second half of the season. At the moment, the first scheduled home football game is on September 27 at 6:00 P.M. against Legacy Charter. So, there are three home football games we can put on the calendar for this season: September 27, October 11, and October 18. Players also claim that they are craving the atmosphere of home games at the moment. Very few Lake Highland students attend away games, so the support is missed there. However, let’s hope the Lake Highland support shines twice as bright when the home games start.
Surprisingly, it was gathered from some cross-country runners and football players that there were not many issues with the old field. However, Nick Seferlis claims that in last year’s football season, the turf was too rough to handle. He explained that this caused, “Turf burn to be twice as painful.” JV cross-country athlete Coco Chopra, grade 9, also stated how she hopes the new field has a, “Better surface and has a better grip.” Knowing the field is getting resurfaced, we can most likely expect what these students are wishing for. There are also wishes for new and improved event area for the tailgates and Fan Zone. However, it was just recently announced that they are building a new scoreboard. From this scoreboard, we can expect the best technology the scoring system has to offer. Teachers even mentioned how any students who are interested in tech will have the opportunity to help work on the scoreboard.
Other than construction on the Lake Highland property, there has been recent road construction from the City of Orlando. This construction is going to take place until the end of October 2024. For phase one-construction is also going to be barricading the LHAC student parking lot, which leaves the students’ only way of access through Alden Road. Lhps.org announced that “Lane closures on Highland Avenue will continue from 8:30 A.M. to 2:00 P.M. The full closure of Marks Street and Highland Avenue has been rescheduled to Tuesday, September 3, through Thursday, September 5, and will occur nightly from 8:00 P.M. to 6:00 A.M. Expect a full closure at Marks Street and Highland Avenue at night on Sunday, September 8, and possibly Monday, September 9.” Advice given to all driving students and teachers is to leave earlier than normal to guarantee a spot in the parking lot on time before school hours start.
Not only will there be a new football and track field and field, but there is a new additional field being added to the LHAC. This field was funded by a total of $1,000,000 donated by the Bray family. This new field can be used for soccer, lacrosse, and much more. The new field in the LHAC also offers a new multisport facility. According to Lhps.gov, Ms. Charmaine Schreiber stated, “The Brays’ generous gift is a true game-changer. Right now, we have 14 different teams from soccer, lacrosse, and football constantly juggling for field space. This lighted turf field will transform the opportunities we can provide all our student-athletes, helping them reach their greatest potential.” This new facility offers space for over 17 sports, from volleyball to even archery. Students and coaches look forward to using it soon.
Although it is unfortunate to have only three home games this season, everyone has been anticipating these three games. Fortunately, this can lead to overwhelming support from students and teachers. So not only will they be playing on a better field, but they will possibly get one of the biggest crowds in Lake Highland history. So mark your calendars and get out your red and white fan gear for September 27th!
