Wawasee Athletics Getting An Extreme Makeover
SYRACUSE – There will be some welcomed changes to the fields and gyms at Wawasee High School at the start of the next school year.
Construction and renovations will begin this summer that will offer a fresh look to most of the athletic complexes at 1 Warrior Path. Last year the softball team received a nice addition to its program as the ladies played the past season in new dugouts on both the varsity and junior varsity fields. This year there are plans for new additions that will benefit every program.
The spectator gymnasium will be shut down the next few months as the ceiling will receive some cleaning and a paint job, but there will be several new additions to the Hardwood Tee Pee as well.
Wawasee will be installing new baskets in both the spectator and annex gymnasiums. The new baskets, as well as new lights and a improved sound system will provide fans with a better experience at games. Some spring coaches and athletes can share a smile as new batting cages will also be added in the upper level of the gym. New murals will be painted in the hallway by the weight room and annex gym by local artist David Butler. Finally, the gym will be getting air conditioning, a change that is sure to be welcomed by visitors as well as Wawasee fans.
Things will be looking different outside the walls of Wawasee High School as well.
A new concession stand and ticket gate is scheduled to be constructed between the varsity soccer field and tennis courts this summer. The soccer programs will also receive some other nice additions by getting a new sound system for Warrior Field, the previous concession stand is slated to be lifted and turned into an announcer’s booth. Wawasee also expects to replace the current bleachers with new ones that will allow fans to see more of the action on the field.
[*** ERROR: Weaver X-Plus Shortcoder undefined id: 'spo-photo' *** ]The biggest change, however, will be happening across the parking lot at the football field. Warrior Field will be getting a new gate to welcome its football and track fans as well as new restrooms and a concession stand.
The gate will be constructed at the northeast corner of the complex, formerly where fans with season passes would enter. Upon entering fans can find the new restrooms and concessions to their right. The new entrance for the football field will put Wawasee up to par with NorthWood, Concord and Warsaw, all three of which have added beautiful entryways to their respective football fields in recent years.
To help add to the new ambiance at Warrior Field, the Wawasee athletic department is giving fans an opportunity to, “demonstrate their Warrior pride” with the Warrior Way Walkway.
The walkway will be made of bricks that can be purchased through the athletic department. A 4” x 8” engraved brick can be created and installed for a minimum donation of $50. Wawasee can also do an 8” x 8” engraved brick for a minimum donation of $100. Any donations of $500 or more will get a large brick plus their name on a permanent outdoor donor plaque.
The funds collected for from the brick campaign will go towards purchasing a full-color LCD message board that will be placed outside of the stadium, facing the school. The message board will be used to promote all Wawasee teams and sporting events.
The board will be used to promote upcoming games, show highlight clips, display scores as well as publicize team and player accomplishments. Order forms for the bricks can be picked up at the athletic office and must be turned in by July 1.
All renovations and additions are scheduled to be completed by October.