Hillsborough County is known for having schools that have first-rate athletic programs in public schools. With this being said, it became essential that students had the proper athletic fields to practice on. Hillsborough County intends to install 28 artificial surfaces over a five-year period, among them Newsome High School.

   The football field construction process started on May 1 and was completed on Aug 15.  “Every high school in Hillsborough County will eventually have an artificial turf field installed at their school site. The county decided to install these fields at all sites to help save money on maintaining natural grass surfaces,“ said Coach Yockey, the football coach at Newsome High School.

   The first five football games of the season are away games as they finish up construction, complete the rubber track, and install new lights on the field. Coach Yockey says, “I believe the new field has been something that our team has taken pride in. It is beautiful. We no longer have to worry about playing on a sloppy field when it rains outside. The conditions are absolutely perfect every time we step on the surface.”

   The new football field has been a huge improvement in the athletics that take place at the school and has given Newsome High School more of a competitive edge in athletics. Many schools in Hillsborough County had already received their new football turf in the previous football seasons.

   Matthew Concord, a senior at Newsome High School, says, “The field is super nice now. Last year, every time it would rain, the field would become a mudslide. Now, the team can play a lot better, and the games will be more competitive because no one will be slipping. I think the field is going to give us more confidence, and playing on our own field will be a better overall environment.” The new football turf allows for overall better conditions for the football team and a more inviting atmosphere for guests.