Words: Paul Drutch and Michael Merkey

Centennial’s stadium grass field has now been upgraded. On May of 2015, the construction of the new turf field began.

In a countywide decision in 2011, Howard County Recreation and Parks determined that all public schools should receive a turf field by 2016. Over the past four years, three schools a year have received turf, but this past summer just Mt. Hebron and Centennial were able to install the new field. As of right now, River Hill is the only school yet to replace their grass field.

The summer-long operation had multiple steps including, letting the field die out after spring season, tearing up the field, and then planting artificial grass and spreading turf pellets. Centennial also installed two new, posts functioning as both soccer goals and football field goals.

After the construction was complete, all athletes were allowed to start activities on the field. Varsity football player, senior David Phelps stated, “The turf leads to faster play, quicker cuts, and a more intense game.”

Multiple players from many of Centennial teams, including soccer, lacrosse, and football, have been very impressed with the construction of the new turf field.

Varsity soccer player, senior Megan Oliver, stated, “There aren’t as many bumps in the field so it makes for a much cleaner game.”

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