Ithaca High’s new turf field sees action

Ithaca High School’s turf field upgrade was completed just in time for graduation last spring. On Aug. 30, the field will be used for the first time in game action when the varsity girls soccer team hosts Chenango Forks for a preseason scrimmage.

The project began after the 2020 spring athletics season was delayed and ultimately canceled due to the pandemic. While the construction was still taking place this spring, Little Red teams played on the junior varsity field just beyond Joe Moresco Stadium. After the long wait, the senior class at IHS was able to have its graduation ceremony on the field in June.

“I have to say, it was pretty amazing,” said Samantha Little, Ithaca High School athletic director. “It was such a gift for our graduating class, in addition to our entire community, after everything that we’ve been through this past year and then to actually be able to be the first in that space. Given all of the things that had been taken away from them in some form or fashion, whether it was the hybrid model of instruction or not having the full interscholastic sports seasons, we’re feeling wonderful.”

Tryouts for the fall sports teams took place earlier this week, and now, regular practices are underway, with the fall season beginning next week. There are a few finishing touches that need to happen before the project is 100% complete, but those are aesthetic upgrades, and the field is in use regardless.

“Some preseason work started in July, so soccer, football and cross-country [used the field],” Little said. “They’ve all been out there, which is super exciting. We’ve got branding and some stuff to do. Because of COVID, there are going to be some delays with our scoreboard, the press box wrap and some other things to just kind of put those final touches on it. The turf and the track, they are ready to go, and that’s really the instructional space we need to get the job done and compete.”

Those designs and branding elements were originally planned to be finished before the start of the fall season, but now, the scoreboard will likely be finalized by next school year. With the completion of the turf field, there is now work being done on Ithaca’s baseball field.

The Little Red baseball team played its home games at Cass Park last season with the upgrade looming. Little discussed what’s to come for Tatascore Field.

“That is underway, and we are super excited,” she said. “It’s way overdue. Initially, with the scope of the project, we were just going to be doing some outfield work. Now, we’re doing infield as well. We feel very fortunate and grateful to our community for being patient and getting behind us through the capital projects being approved to get that work done. Honestly, I think we might not be on there again this year. We’re hopeful that we will be able to play [there this season].”

Ithaca’s soccer, football, track, lacrosse and baseball teams all overcame the challenges of not having their regular home field available to them last season. Little believes that exemplifies the spirit of Ithaca High School athletics.

“I think it speaks volumes to our scholars’, our coaches’ and our families’ character,” Little said. “We talk about resilience, grit and perseverance, and that was all demonstrated above and beyond by our scholars, coaches and families. It’s not easy, but folks found a way, and they rallied. I have to give a lot of credit to the coaches because it really is their attitude, outlook and the energy that they’re putting out there. That’s what scholars and families feed into.”

Ithaca has now officially joined Dryden as one of two Tompkins County schools with turf fields. Beyond the county, Ithaca is now keeping up with the schools it competes with in the Southern Tier Athletic Conference.

“Nowadays, just to compete, everyone pretty much has turf,” Little said. “Our grounds and fields have never looked better or have been better maintained. Our grass fields are really looking good, and it was optimal playing condition when we were on there. But of course, the turf takes it to a whole other level. We’re super excited to have such stellar spaces and optimal conditions for peak performance.”

Ithaca’s facility upgrade was long overdue and now is in full force. Following Monday’s girls soccer scrimmage, the first regular-season game on the new field is set to take place Sept. 1, when the girls soccer team hosts Union-Endicott at 1 p.m.