(Update) CHS Plans to Host Night Games But Not on New Field

(Update Thursday) 

The Canton AD has decided against using the new athletic facility this weekend. Please see updated story here. 






Original Story


It looks as if the new turf field at Canton High School will make its debut during this weekend's special night games. 

The school is abuzz with energy about the new facility, spirit week and more, educators said. 

"There's such a positive vibe in the school," said athletic director Dee Stephan. 

As part of its Spirit Week and Alumni Weekend activities, the school recently obtain zoning commission approval to host a Friday night field hockey game and Saturday evening soccer games under the lights. 

As of Tuesday afternoon, Stephan said it looked all set to have those games on the new field. Saturday's 3 p.m. football game will be on West Field, she added. 

The town's project manager, Jeff Shea, said the town does anticipate the field to be ready this week and the track surfacing to begin next Monday. Weather permitting, that should take 1 to 2 weeks, he said. 

Last fall, voters approved bonding $3.6 million for the project, which also includes a new parking lot. 

This weekend's nights games will feature many special activities, such as youth demonstrations and recognition of other teams. 

"We want to recognize all the teams, not just the ones that have games that day," Stephan said. 

Senior Bailey Jeffko will perform the National Anthem at the games. 

Stephan said she is also aware of the chatter around town about temporary lights that are allegedly prone to leaking fuel and other concerns. 

While she said leaking should not be an issue, she emphasized that the school is absolutely taking every precaution to take care of the facility and appreciates what the town has provided.  

Also this weekend, the public will have the chance to hear about a fundraising initiative. The Track & Field Project Committee (not a formal town committee) is looking to raise $100,000 to go toward projects such as a scoreboard, bleachers, field goal pole covers and track and field equipment. 

Recently, town officials indicated that a project surplus in the project would likely cover site work for a scoreboard but not the board itself. Officials believe there will also be enough to at least partially fund bleachers but exact figures are still being worked out. 

Friday night the field hockey team plays at 6 p.m. against Westbrook while Saturday the varsity soccer teams take on Ellington. The girls start at 6 p.m. and the boys at 8 p.m. The football team takes on Hyde at 3 p.m. Saturday on West Field. 

Other weekend games include varsity Warriors Volleyball vs. Suffield at 4 p.m. Friday, with a JV match to follow at 5:30 p.m.