Work is still being completed on the tennis complex fencing after early July’s storms ripped down the borders of the cages. Construction is ongoing despite programs beginning fall practice. (Photos by Mike Deak)

SYRACUSE – With just under three weeks until the fall sports season will kick off en masse, construction is happening at a fever pitch at Wawasee High School.

The thunderstorms and tornadoes that hit the area July 1 affected Wawasee’s athletic facilities in several facets, including tipping fencing on the soccer and tennis complexes among several cosmetic details. With the tennis and soccer season practices on par to begin next week, replacing and repairing the major hazards were a top priority once the insurance matters were settled.

“The repairs needed are being done ahead of the new construction,” offered Wawasee athletic director Steve Wiktorowski while crews were erecting fence posts around the tennis complex. “We are trying to make sure the facilities are safe for our players and fans. That is our main focus now, really because we have just a couple weeks until seasons are to start. These things need to be done ASAP.”

The soccer complex, which also had the dugout’s roofs blown off and the observation tower and concession stand both tip over, is near restoration and should be ready for practice to begin next week.

The football entryway construction is ongoing, but Wiktorowski begrudgingly mentioned will likely not be done in full for the 2014 season. The potential for the parking lot to the north of the stadium does exist by year’s end, but no guarantee was made there.

The spectator and annex gyms are also receiving facelifts, and Wiktorowski was told Wednesday the annex gym should be useable by week’s end. The spectator gym, however, may not be useable until mid-season or late season, according to Wiktorowski, but assures the volleyball home schedules will not be altered.

“I was told the annex will be good to go, and volleyball can start practice in there next week,” Wiktorowski said. “The spectator gym is another thing. We may have to hold a few games in the annex gym for the time being.

“This hasn’t progressed as quickly as I had hoped, but a lot of this is out of my hands.”

Wawasee Season Tickets

Wawasee athletics did offer up its prices for 2014-15 season ticket prices.

An All-Sport Family Max plan, with includes immediate family, is $250, which covers all 20 varsity sports. Adult All-Sport tickets are $65 and Senior Citizen All-Sport ticket is $45. Student All-Sport tickets are $50 and single-sport tickets are also available for adults/students for football ($24/$24); boys basketball ($45/35); girls basketball ($45/35); baseball ($30/30); and softball ($30/30).

For more information, contact Wawasee athletics at (574) 325-5133.

Construction to Warrior Field likely will not be completed by season’s end.