Football field progress

While the field surface is complete except for details,

the new track surface has yet to be laid over the

existing surface. Crews were cleaning it to prepare

for the new layer. (Photo by Ed Piper)

By Ed Piper

La Jolla High head football coach Matt Morrison said his squad will get on the new football field at Edwards Stadium for practice for the first time Mon., Aug. 22.

Earlier forecasts had foreseen a mid-August date for use of the new facilities, so construction seems to be pretty much on schedule.

The field itself is laid and pretty much ready for use, it looks like from a distance. The surface is marked with yardage lines and numbers.

The two buildings on the northeast side of the field appear to be nearing completion, whereas a third building on the northwest sideline looks like a shell, with the exterior mostly complete and the insides yet to be tackled.

"I'm just excited. It's going to be great being on the field," said Viking running back Alex Dockery, a senior who will enjoy the field for seven straight home games beginning Sept. 2 after a junior year playing all games on the road.

From a distance, the new press box appears to be nearing completion. The new concession stand in the southwest corner of the complex has a lot of work done, but is still obviously under construction. It will be interesting to see what parts of the renovated facility will be ready for use for events like Blast Off, which traditionally takes place at the opening home game.

The antiquated stadium restroom, which had half doors on the toilet stalls and limited leg space for anyone using a commode on the men's side, is nowhere to be seen, gone with the wrecking ball last year.

Morrison, the new head coach, has commented on the fact that he is fortunate to be starting with a new facility. His returning players, he has said, are the ones who will really appreciate their home stadium upon its completion after practices and games elsewhere since June 18, 2015, the last graduation held in the stadium.