KWCH - Kansas News and Weather - New Turf Allows Games After Rain

New Turf Allows Games After Rain

Both teams wanted to play.  Even after Mother Nature dumped a lot of rain Tuesday, the football games between Northwest High School and Kapaun Mt. Carmel still went on. 

The JV and freshman games were originally scheduled at Kapaun but because of the condition of the grass field, were moved to Northwest.  Northwest is the latest school to get a turf football field.  No mud and no mess.

"If it weren't for this turf, there wouldn't be a game today," said Northwest parent Mark Coronado.  "The kids deserve to play on something this nice."

Along the sidelines, Kapaun's Director of Development Kevin Arkin agrees. 

"If we had played this game a year ago, we'd have to cancel because both of us had grass fields."

Even the football officials say the turf provides for better playing conditions. 

It changes the way a quarterback throws the ball," said official Phil Schepis.  "It changes the way a receiver catches the ball."

Schepis says during "mud bowl" games, it's more difficult for officials to see the jersey number of players.  The conditions can also slow down a game because officials have to keep wiping off the ball before each play.

For the players, getting to play a game is just as important.  Coaches say game scheduling plays a role in the athlete's fitness routine as well as gives them time off for recovery between games. 

Kapaun's JV quarterback Nate Degenhardt says he enjoys playing on the new turf. 

"We're lucky to get in our game today," said Degenhardt. 

Northwest's turf was paid for as part of the latest school bond project.