2008 Woodie Awards
New field shows little progress
Joe Barker
Issue date: 8/17/08 Section: News
"We could tear up their field for the rest of the year," he said. "… One bad game in the mud, you know what one bad game in the mud can do [to a grass field]."
A new draining system needs to be finished before the field can even begin to resemble an actual playing surface. Once all the new drain pipes are in place, Wollmering said that a rock base needs to be put down before the actual AstroTurf Gameday Grass 3D can be installed.
Drainage pipes from Florence St. used to run directly under the track and through the middle of the game field. With the renovations, the draining system was rerouted to go under the visiting sidelines, on the north side, so as to not impact the field. Wollmering said the new drainage system is supposed last for 100 years.
"We've had this old storm draining system under our field for however many years that probably should have been replaced a long time ago," he said.
The city of Kirksville also installed a new sewage pipe under the field. City Planner John Buckwalter said the city completed its work on time and is not responsible for the field not being ready.
Despite the delays, Wells said the budget has not changed. The University's Board of Governors approved about $1.2 million dollars to fund the project, and Wells said that money is locked in place via a signed contract.
Wollmering said that at this point he still would like to see the Bulldogs start their 101st football season on a brand new field but he knows it's not up to him if the field gets done or not.
"I've driven by everyday for the last 90 days hoping that it would be done," Wollmering said. "At this point, we can't really control it."
A new draining system needs to be finished before the field can even begin to resemble an actual playing surface. Once all the new drain pipes are in place, Wollmering said that a rock base needs to be put down before the actual AstroTurf Gameday Grass 3D can be installed.
Drainage pipes from Florence St. used to run directly under the track and through the middle of the game field. With the renovations, the draining system was rerouted to go under the visiting sidelines, on the north side, so as to not impact the field. Wollmering said the new drainage system is supposed last for 100 years.
"We've had this old storm draining system under our field for however many years that probably should have been replaced a long time ago," he said.
The city of Kirksville also installed a new sewage pipe under the field. City Planner John Buckwalter said the city completed its work on time and is not responsible for the field not being ready.
Despite the delays, Wells said the budget has not changed. The University's Board of Governors approved about $1.2 million dollars to fund the project, and Wells said that money is locked in place via a signed contract.
Wollmering said that at this point he still would like to see the Bulldogs start their 101st football season on a brand new field but he knows it's not up to him if the field gets done or not.
"I've driven by everyday for the last 90 days hoping that it would be done," Wollmering said. "At this point, we can't really control it."
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Sean Morris
posted 8/17/08 @ 1:08 PM CST
Most of you probably remember me, number 43 for the dogs (00-04). I made a lot of plays on that field. I can't believe they got rid of the grass. I shed blood, sweat and tears on that field, and now it is gone. (Continued…)
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