School bond: Stadium's field has a mysterious hole

I am writing in response to the letter written by Mr. Mallchok on Wednesday, May 14.

I am a player for the Oak Harbor High School football team. Have you ever stepped on the turf at Memorial Stadium? If you have, you may have noticed the gaping hole existing on about the 30 yard line which contains water reeking so bad, that its contents are still unknown to man. So which is more painful and career wrecking? A little bit of turf toe caused by the OLD kind of artificial turf, or a broken ankle cause by a hole while running to make a play? I would say the ankle.

Now say the levy did pass. The kind of artificial turf put into the field would be the same stuff that the Seattle Seahawks play on. It’s not like the plastic golf green that was put into Snohomish’s field. It looks and feels like real grass, and it also has the "give" as real grass would.

You used the word "expensive" in describing the artificial turf. Well if you think of it, it would eventually pay for itself in the long run. You don’t have to pay someone to come out and line the field before every game, and you don’t ever have to water it. Also, when real grass dies, it needs replacing. Artificial turf doesn’t die, so there is no need to grow new grass every year, which is another cost-cutting element.

As a player, I would much rather play on this new turf than the swamp that we play in now. And about your point on the shoes; our regular cleats can be worn on this new turf, and I would actually much rather prefer my cleats than turf shoes (which the school already has and assigns to us).

So you see, the good things about this turf greatly outweigh the bad things. So if I could vote, I could definitely guarantee that it would be a "yes" vote on the school bond levy. So do as I would, vote "yes" for the sake of our schools and children to come, hoping that they would be able to have the opportunity that I never will, and have a state playoff game in their own home town.

Ryan Lange

OHHS student and athlete

Comment on this story.

COMMENTING RULES: We encourage an open exchange of ideas in our online community, but we ask you to follow our guidelines for respecting community standards. In a nutshell, don't say anything you wouldn't want your mother to read. Please see our FAQ if you have questions or concerns about using Facebook to comment.