FREDERICKTOWN — Remember the excitement of waiting for Santa to arrive on Christmas Eve?
That air of anticipation surrounds the opening of the revitalized Fredericktown Field.
Initially, the stadium’s first home football game was scheduled for Sept. 4, when the Freddies were set to host the Utica Redskins. As it turns out, it was not the Grinch but weather that forced the Fredericktown faithful to wait a bit longer before pulling the wrapping off of the facility.
“We had 11 straight days of rain, and that put us behind schedule a little bit,” explained Fredericktown Athletic Director Tim Doup. “It was decided (Aug. 26) to postpone the home opener and do it right, rather than getting in a hurry.”
The AD said that while much of the technology has improved, there is a bit of nostalgia left.
“The new digital scoreboard will allow for us to post messages on the new board, as for the playing surface, a lot of people still like to play on grass,” he said.
The fact that the Freddies boast red as one of their primary colors has not been lost on the new track.
“We have a red track with black exchange zones (making it clear where batons will be handed off during relay races),” Doup said.
Bob Geiger, coach for the girls’ track and field program, shed a bit more light on the delay.
“The weather did affect the timing of the construction and it had an impact more on the first home football game which, unfortunately, had to be moved because the track has to have no foot traffic for three weeks after the surface is put down,” the coach explained.
As with the improved facility, Geiger believes those who follow the track and field program will find it worth the wait.
“The new track surface is very nice, as good as any track that we will run on this year. It will make a huge difference for us at practice, as the old track created leg injuries,” he said. “We host a lot of track meets, and I am proud of the new facility!”
Both agree that fans will find the new facility much more convenient to navigate. Doup said that there is a new fence running the perimeter of the track and football playing area.
“There is also a new concrete walkway all of the way around, and more handicap parking is being provided,” Doup said.
Geiger also mentioned the new walkway and fencing.
“For the fans the new sidewalks and fencing not only look great, but will give much greater accessibility to people wanting to watch track and field events,” Geiger said. “In addition, we moved the pole vault area from behind the bleachers so it can be seen from the stands.
“We have had multiple All-Ohio pole vaulters the past few years and their performances weren’t seen because of the location of the pit.”
While the Freddies’ original “home” opener will take place this Friday in Marengo against Utica. Meanwhile, Highland will play on Friday night at Mount Vernon, per its regular schedule.
Doup added that moving the celebration to Sept. 18 does have a bright spot.
“As it turns out, that is homecoming,” he said.
Geiger was quick to thank the home of the Highland Fighting Scots for the use of their facility.
“We are very grateful that Highland High School allowed us to not only move the football game to their facility, but allowed us to do the same last spring with our track invitational when the football field was being redone,” he said.
The track coach reiterated his pride in the new facility and added a thanks for the leadership that helped make the plan become a reality.
“I am really excited about the surface and proud of it as well. Big thanks to Superintendent Gary Chapman for guiding this project and making our facility one of the nicest small school stadiums in Ohio,” Geiger said.