Throughout MHS football history, there has been one word that, when uttered, has made any coach, player or fan feel immense disappointment…

Rain.

But thanks to the new artificial turf at MHS, which came as a result of Prop 4, a $69 million bond issue passed in April, rain may no longer be a problem. The move is expected to save the district thousands of dollars every year.

“One of the biggest things about the artificial turf is it’s going to save the district quite a bit of money,” Principal Dr. Greg Mathison said. “Even as they plan and save money to replace it in 10 to 15 years, the life cycle of a turf field, the district is still saving money every single year. The turf also “will allow for games to be played in weather conditions that would normally cause a grass field to become unusable.

“Obviously it’s just more consistent,” Matt Klein, varsity football coach, said. “You don’t have to worry about rain and weather and all that other stuff. It’s a really really soft surface, even compared to some other turf fields in which we go to and travel. So far, our kids love it and it’s just a great facility for our players to have.”The turf will not only serve athletes, but all MHS students and people in the surrounding communities.”

“It’s our largest classroom now,” Dr. Mathison said. “P.E classes are out there now. And so even if we are going to get rain over night and we can’t go on the grass field the turf field going to be available for them to use for physical education.”

That’s not to say that the turf didn’t take a lot of effort to bring about. Activities Director Shane Matzen, said the seeds to that idea had been sowed for a at least a decade.

“This was on the bond issue over 10 years ago so the thought has been there for a long long time,” Matzen said. “It was just a steady progression all way round. We had a lot of people do a lot of research and were thrilled with the way it works out.”

The turf is also expected to be significantly safer than the grass fields.

“It feels much better on your feet then the grass because the field is easier to cut in,” varsity wide receiver Cairon Wesley, senior, said. “You can get on the ground a lot, sacrifice your body and it helps soften the blow.”

Wesley also said the excitement of playing on the turf helped propel the team for victory on their home opener against Northwest on Friday, Aug. 28 in which the Mustangs defeated the Lions 42-0.

“We came out prepared for that game and our fans deserve to have a field and team to be proud of,” Wesley said.

Wesley’s sentiment was echoed by JV quarterback Robby Mills, sophomore.
The turf gave us another reason to want to be great,” Mills said. “The fans are loud as ever and we have a great time during games.”

Mills also agreed the field is more convenient.

“It’s awesome,” Mills said. “The turf feels just like grass and nothing sticks to your cleats or anything. It was super nice to get the turf and it feels great.”

Fans liked the turf as well. Emily Simpson, sophomore, said the turf looks great.
“”When I went to the game I noticed that the turf looks really nice,” Simpson said. “I feel like it represents Marquette and how we leave everything on the field.”

Simpson continued by saying that the field fills her with pride of MHS.

“Whenever I look at it, I get excited for home games.” she said.