WCEL Football Preview

WCEL Football Preview 2017

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LINCOLN — Each year since Wolfpack Stadium opened with Lincoln's 47-6 triumph over Stilwell, Okla., on Sept. 13, 2013, two sets of buses arrive for football games — opponents and the Wolves. ELIMINATING DISADVANTAGE The tactical and logistical disadvantage of practicing at one facility, then compet- ing at another goes away in 2017. The new high school was completed at Lincoln in time for the 2012-2013 school year followed by Wolfpack Stadium a year later. Still without a fieldhouse on site at the new campus, the Wolf foot- ball program dressed out and practiced at Lincoln's old football field across town. There were two reasons for this; No. 1, the Wolves did not have a fieldhouse at the new high school and No. 2, fear of damaging the turf at Wolfpack Stadium. Lincoln's football opponents prepared for competition on-site, using Lincoln's gym while the Wolves were bused to Wolfpack Stadium for games after dress- ing out at the old fieldhouse. Lincoln made an effort to change that disadvantage over the summer break with work scheduled to finish a new fieldhouse, and the ongoing installation of artificial turf on the football field at Wolfpack Stadium. Additional improvements are planned, including a new rubberized track surface at the outdoor athletic facility. The projects received approval during a June 18 Lincoln school board meeting. Work began in July with completion targeted for the beginning of the 2017- 2018 school year. PARTNERSHIP EFFORT According to Enterprise-Leader archives, the new turf and track surface will be funded through a partnership effort between the Wolfpack Foundation and Lincoln School District. The Founda- tion is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organization headed by a board of directors, many with ties to Lincoln. Cost of the upgrades projected at $900,000 is billed at $90,000 due annu- ally on a 10-year note. According to the superintendent's office, Lincoln spends about $30,000 annually for maintenance on the football field. According to Enterprise-Leader archives, a news release from the super- intendent's office indicates the plan is to allocate funds from an annual budget for maintenance of the high school foot- ball field to be used in conjunction with a projected match from the Wolfpack Foundation to make the annual payment for the multipurpose field and track. The Wolfpack Foundation has worked to secure annual sponsorships for banner ads, which are traditionally displayed along field sidelines and outfield fences. The artificial turf opens up unprece- dented opportunities for sponsorships because ads can be installed into the sideline surfaces of the turf. EXPANDING PROGRAMS According to the superintendent's news release, the artificial turf and rubberized track will give the school the ability to offer additional programs for student-athletes, marching band, plus track and field, as well as cheer squads. The Lincoln community will be able to enjoy the new track surface. Instal- lation of artificial turf will allow many community groups to use the football field, including peewee football, soccer, cheerleaders, classes, band and even the baseball and softball programs when their fields are too wet. According to Enterprise-Leader archives, Lincoln athletic director Deon Birkes believes installation of artificial turf will end the need to bus football players to the middle school field for practices; and he will no longer need to "chase people off the field for fear they'll damage the turf." REBUILDING RECEIVING CORPS For the second straight year, gradua- tion took a toll on the Wolves' receiving corps, a key element in Lincoln coach Don Harrison's spread offense. Like last year, there is some question as to how quickly this year's group will develop. Offensive coordinator Tyler Dorton took the head coaching job at Westville, Okla., Lincoln's traditional opponent for opening week. The Wolves must get their offense on track sooner than last year. Prior to a weather delay on the road at Mansfield in week three, Lincoln was outscored 105-27 12 | EntErprisE-LEadEr WEdnEsday, aug. 23, 2017 Lincoln Goes With Artificial Turf LINCOLN 2017 VARSITY PREVIEW By Mark Humphrey ENTERPRISE-LEADER SEE TURF PAGE 13 MARK HUMPHREY ENTERPRISE-LEADER The 2017 Lincoln varsity team will benefit from the construction of a new home fieldhouse, plus artificial turf is being installed at Wolfpack Stadium.

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