By building a multi-purpose turf field, the Souderton athletics department created a second field which a multitude of teams can use, including baseball ,which did not have a field prior.
The new field began construction on October 9 and finished construction shortly before the baseball team’s first game on the turf on April 25.
According to Athletic Director Dennis Stanton the new field offers an opportunity for the many teams that need to play on fields to play when there is “bad weather.”
“ The word that comes to mind when thinking about the fields would be opportunity,” Stanton said. “ It provides a lot of opportunity for our student athletes and our students with the physical education classes who are going to be using the fields, as well.”
According to Principal Sam Varano, this new field not only provides an opportunity for school programs from “lacrosse to marching band” but also is a “jolt of pride” for the community.
“[Community members] have come to baseball and softball games who would not come to baseball and softball games, whether they be alumni or parents of alumni,” Varano said, “and they’re beaming with what I would say is pride that we have this facility.”
Baseball coach Michael Childs said that the atmosphere of the first few games at the new field was “electric.”
“Just having that introduction and being there and looking at the school and doing the national anthem and everything else, I sat there and I had to take a moment back and say thanks to the people that made this happen,” Childs said.
In the first few games at the new field, there was a noticeable increase in fan support from parents and students.
According to Stanton this fan support might be able to help some players play and win.
“ I don’t think there’s a direct correlation to if you have a lot of people, you’re going to always play better just from a performance standpoint,” Stanton said, “but I think it helps to have a little home field advantage.”
Third baseman Tyler Deary said that playing under the lights at a home field is “a blessing.”
“ We’ve got a great group of guys, guys who’ve known each other for a long time and really getting that opportunity to play under the lights with them and come together as one under the lights, it’s just really cool,” Deary said.
Pitcher Tyler Lutz agreed.
“ The atmosphere here is different because you got 300 people here cheering for you and then you have the lights, too, which makes it even better,” Lutz said. “ Everything at this field is so much different than Harleysville because there’s so many people here for us.”
Childs offered insight into the value that this increase in fans gives players during a game.
“Anytime you have a good fan base and people show up to come watch you play, you always want to step it up and play well for them,” Childs said.
While Varano also agreed that the fan atmosphere saw an increase, he believes that the importance of the new fields is in practice.
“ The great value is in practice and having the kids being able to practice right here on our campus rather than having to transport themselves over there,” Varano said. “It’s just so much more convenient.”
According to Deary, the pride of playing on a field that is at Souderton and has the Souderton colors on it gives players extra motivation.
“At Harleysville  there’s not a speck of red on the field, so we really didn’t feel like we were a part of something for the school,” Deary said. “ Then when we’re here, we got that big S out in center field and it just really feels like we’re part of something bigger and that just feels great.”
According to Stanton the speed at which the new turf field was put in “pleasantly surprised” him.