By Katie Vasquez
Whether they are playing soccer or frisbee or flag football, the 552 students at Bishop Loughlin Memorial High school have new turf on the Brian C. Connelly field.
Soccer and lacrosse player Xavier Pierre says it’s an upgrade from the concrete that was there before.
“It has allowed me to be in a more comfortable space with my teammates without having to worry about the risk of getting injured due to the concrete,” said Pierre, a senior.
Isidora Fuentes hasn’t had a chance to play softball here yet, but it was a welcome sight when she returned to school.
“Once I step into the school and I saw the beautiful field, I’m like, ‘wow.’ I can’t wait to play our home games here,” said Fuentes, a senior.
None of the cost fell on the students with alumni and the Loughlin Foundation contributing to pay the more than half a million dollars necessary to build.
“The tuition here is steep, and many of our families struggled to pay that tuition, so we want to give them a value proposition for their tuition dollars,” said Edward Bolan, principal.
Lacrosse coach Nicholas Dilonardo pushed for the new turf.
Before, teams would have to travel to other fields, making the days long for student athletes.
“So this is going to radically, drastically save time for our students, get them home earlier, more time at home, homework, food, dinner, family. And it’s really, really beneficial for the kids,” said Dilonardo.
It’s also a competitive advantage for the school since Nicholas says most private schools do not have their own field.
Now, these students are just excited to get out and play.
“I can’t wait to have an amazing senior year with my team. I’m just excited to play,” said Fuentes.
“I love the turf. We’ve been able to practice soccer more frequently to get more adjusted to the field itself,” said Pierre.