New Mentor High School Baseball Field Opens

Written by

New Mentor High School Baseball Field Opens
The new all-synthetic turf Mentor High School Baseball Field opened with a celebratory first game and a victory for the Cardinals. The stadium was packed with excited parents, community members, and students who came to enjoy the inaugural game on a brisk, sunny afternoon.

New Mentor High School Baseball Field Opens

With fanfare and an abundance of free hot dogs, the new all-synthetic turf baseball field at Mentor High School opened on March 29, 2024. The updated athletics field is now affectionally called “The Yard.” It features an improved drainage system, fresh netting, a modernized press box, and a state-of-the-art sound system.

Mentor Public Schools hosted a pregame ceremony with an official “first pitch” before the Cardinals varsity team took to the field. The first game was well-attended by the enthused local community and parents, who turned up to demonstrate their support for the Mentor athletics program.

Mentor has a great baseball team, and I think the new field will really help the team play that much better. It is a great day to be out watching the game!
Kristie
Mentor Schools Alumni and Resident

New Mentor High School Baseball Field Opening Day

Hot Dogs and Baseball

Design for the athletics facility began in the summer of 2022, according to ThenDesign Architecture Project Manager Ryan Schmit. He enjoys working on projects like this, understanding how vital extracurricular activities are in developing a well-rounded student experience.

Cardinals Coach Jeff Haase told the News-Herald he looked forward to the exciting potential of the new ballfield and what it means for the athletics program. “It keeps the kids invested,” he said. “When you look at this as a whole, it’s a great facility to have as a community and a worthy investment for the program.”

The Cardinals were eager to experience the new field during the season opener and secured their first victory.

Rodger, a longtime Mentor resident, attended the inaugural game and felt optimistic about what it means for the Mentor community, “I’ve watched our teams play for years and have seen so many changes and improvements in the players, the coaches, and the fans. I think this is a huge improvement for our athletic program.” He continued, “Having a field like this feels like a completely different experience. It will help our kids. I also hope they keep serving these hot dogs!”

A Day for the Students and the Community

Not Just About The Sports

The all-synthetic turf field is a significant upgrade for the Cardinals, offering them the opportunity to play in various conditions and leverage their strengths. While it may require some adaptation, the Cardinals are thrilled to make the most of their new home turf.

As the team inaugurates “The Yard,” they anticipate a significant playoff run and a continued commitment to their baseball program supporting the next generation of students.

I think it's really cool to watch the team play on such a nice field. I can’t wait to get a chance to play on this field when I get older.
Kyle
5th Grade Mentor Student
Marc Cebrian

Marc Cebrian

Communications

Get our newsletter with insights, events and tips.

Facebook Linkedin Twitter Instagram

Recent Posts:

Marc Cebrian

Marc Cebrian

Marc has over thirty years of media production experience with a wide variety of storytelling projects that include commercials, documentaries, and live events. He began his career in the feature film and television industry in Los Angeles, California. Naturally driven by a passion for the creative and analytical, he believes that people should be kind to one another, and strives to live by example.
See more Posts

Garfield Heights High School Stadium Groundbreaking

Written by

Garfield Heights High School Stadium Groundbreaking
Hundreds of excited students, staff, and community leaders celebrated the Garfield Heights High School stadium groundbreaking ceremony. They acknowledged the generosity of the Cleveland Browns and the Haslam and Johnson families in partnership with the Browns Give Back philanthropic initiative and the Stay in the Game! Attendance Network for providing a new, high-quality synthetic turf field by ForeverLawn.

Garfield Heights High School Stadium Groundbreaking

On the chilly morning of March 15, the well-attended groundbreaking ceremony for constructing the new Garfield Heights High School stadium commenced with school-spirited fanfare.

Hundreds of excited students, staff, community leaders, and stakeholders celebrated the momentous occasion. They acknowledged the generosity of the Cleveland Browns and the Haslam and Johnson families in partnership with the Browns Give Back philanthropic initiative and the Stay in the Game! Attendance Network. A new, high-quality synthetic turf field by ForeverLawn was donated to the Garfield Heights City Schools athletics project.

Haslam Sports Group is “a values-driven organization committed to unifying people through sports and entertainment.” The organization aims to foster innovation and diversity of thought, bringing positive change to local communities. The Garfield Heights High School stadium is the fifteenth project to benefit from the community-supporting mission launched in May 2016. It is part of the Browns’ commitment to improving education and supporting high school athletics.

Superintendent Dr. Richard Reynolds gave comments centered on the “together” philosophy of the Garfield Heights City Schools district and acknowledged the gracious partnership with the city and the Cleveland Browns. “Every child, every day, together. We are going to make sure that our children have the finest facility.”

Garfield Heights City Schools partnered with the Stay in the Game! Attendance Network in 2021 to express its commitment to improving the educational experience through active student engagement.

“With this generosity, we can easily see the power of together. This investment will keep Garfield Heights City Schools a gem of this community.”
Dr. Richard Reynolds
Superintendent

Garfield Heights High School Stadium Groundbreaking

Generosity in Action

Designer and Project Manager Scott Clifford for ThenDesign Architecture noted the project’s significance. “Technically, we’ve been working with the school district on this since 2014. It was a great opportunity for them when the Cleveland Browns got involved to help donate the new sports field. That’s when it really took off.”

The track and civil work for the stadium is supported by the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund (ESSER), established by Congress in 2020. Since the stadium was condemned, the Garfield Heights High School football team has been without a playfield, making the groundbreaking a welcomed relief to offer hope for future students in the athletics program.

Among those in attendance, Haslam Sports Group President JW Johnson expressed his enthusiasm for the project and saw it as a further commitment to improving school morale. “We know the importance of attendance and athletics for students even after they graduate so that good things will come to them. What you do on and off the field is vital. We are excited to get this project going.”

Garfield Heights Mayor Matt Burke offered appreciation for those who made the new stadium dream a reality. “I love that the Cleveland Browns, Jimmy Haslam, and the Johnson family have stepped up to love this city as much as I do.”

“I love this city. I love Garfield Heights.”
Matt Burke
Mayor of Garfield Heights

Photography Courtesy of Shook Construction

Hope of Future Possibilities

“I’m so excited for you guys,” said Cleveland Browns Head Coach Kevin Stefanski. “I feel your energy this morning. The students, athletes, and members of the band. Something like this takes all of us. I’m so proud to be with you today.”

The planned construction and design of the new stadium leaves room for future amenities such as a concession stand and restrooms. “I hope the community gets excited about the new stadium and continues to develop what is possible in the space,” commented Scott Clifford. “The top-tier synthetic turf field will be a huge initial boost to the high school and the district, but there is an opportunity for Garfield Heights to do much more.”

“Giving back to the community is central to what the Browns are all about.”
Kevin Stefanski
Cleveland Browns Head Coach
Marc Cebrian

Marc Cebrian

Communications

Get our newsletter with insights, events and tips.

Facebook Linkedin Twitter Instagram

Recent Posts:

Marc Cebrian

Marc Cebrian

Marc has over thirty years of media production experience with a wide variety of storytelling projects that include commercials, documentaries, and live events. He began his career in the feature film and television industry in Los Angeles, California. Naturally driven by a passion for the creative and analytical, he believes that people should be kind to one another, and strives to live by example.
See more Posts

Understanding the Impact of Quality Athletic Facilities

Written by

Understanding the Impact of Quality Athletic Facilities
For championship-winning Kirtland Local Schools, the athletics program is not just about playing sports but also giving young people a well-rounded student experience that builds character to help them better prepare for future challenges. Understanding the impact of quality athletic facilities helps Kirtland stand apart from its competition.

Understanding the Impact of Quality Athletic Facilities

When the Kirtland Local School District decided to renovate and redesign the Kirtland High School stadium, the intent was to provide a cutting-edge facility that encouraged opportunities for athletic excellence for their students.

The extensive stadium renovation included a safety-tested artificial turf, a polyurethane track surface, a youth play area beyond the endzone, a video scoreboard, LED stadium lighting, an updated electrical system, and improved stormwater management. The stadium layout was also redesigned by moving the visitor stands outside the track, providing adequate space to accommodate soccer games in addition to football.

The completed stadium was officially renamed Wilson Stadium after former alum John Wilson. Kirtland Local Schools partnered with ThenDesign Architecture (TDA) to provide architectural and design services by working with school administrators to update the stadium. Marous Brothers Construction was the construction manager at risk. 

After the ribbon cutting ceremony on August 26, the first home football game commenced.

"It's about having great facilities for our kids to get the most out of their performance."
Chad VanArnhem
Superintendent of Kirtland Local Schools

Sports Is Not Just About Sports

Superintendent Chad VanArnhem conducted research proving the correlation between student involvement in extracurricular activities and higher GPAs. He discovered that being engaged outside the classroom helps student effectiveness inside the classroom. School sports programs exercise students’ bodies and minds, assisting in their personal development on the field and off.

Kirtland LSD Athletics Director Matt Paul commented that students will get more out of the programs than just playing a sport. He sees the value of providing an exceptional athletic facility to encourage participation and community support, “I learned from working with teammates and coaches and about life by playing on the field more than I ever did in a classroom.”

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony and First Home Football Game
"With athletics, you learn to be a leader. You can learn to get along and be a family with your peers."
Macquire
Football Player

Better, Quicker, and Safer

The renovation of Wilson Stadium was designed with safety in mind. The main component of the project is the high-grade synthetic turf that enhances athletic performance while providing a more reliable play surface. Even two days of historic rain before the first home game was not a concern.

Lead architect Claire Bank, RA, of ThenDesign Architecture, said that the decision to install synthetic turf gained momentum among staff and students, “There has been a lot of excitement around the new turf because it will expand the time players will be able to use the field.” She continued, “Since the field will be synthetic, it can be used during a broader range of weather conditions without creating unsafe conditions or damaging the surface.”

Both soccer and football players noted the stark difference between the new turf and the former grass field. There is a sense of improved speed and agility. The artificial turf is level and consistent across the field, minimizing the risk of rolled ankles and strained hamstrings due to divots or mud.

Wilson Stadium’s new synthetic turf field provides uniform predictability so that athletes can focus on their gameplay and not worry about injuries.

Aerial Photography Courtesy of Marous Brothers Construction
"When you have great athletes, you want facilities that support their journeys and allow them to thrive."
Claire Bank, RA
ThenDesign Architecture

If You Build It, They Will Play

“Kirtland’s successful athletics program is the pride of the local community,” noted Claire Bank. “Driving through Kirtland on a game night, the stadium comes alive. You can feel the enthusiasm in the community for its students. The stadium is vibrant, projecting that classic high school experience. It was an honor to be a part of its transformation.”

The newly renovated Wilson Stadium creates opportunities for athletes to get the most out of their talents. Achieving personal excellence is now matched with a facility to reflect that quality. Respect, selflessness, and perseverance are only a few of the traits students can be exposed to while participating in extracurricular activities like the athletics program at Kirtland.

Wilson Stadium is a modern athletic facility that all Kirtland High School students and their parents can be proud of.

On December 1, the Kirtland High School Football team won the OHSAA Division VI State Championship with a 15-1 record for the 2023 season.

"I now have a sense of pride to show people what we have."
Matt Paul
Athletic Director of Kirtland Local Schools
Marc Cebrian

Marc Cebrian

Communications

Get our newsletter with insights, events and tips.

Facebook Linkedin Twitter Instagram

Recent Posts:

Marc Cebrian

Marc Cebrian

Marc has over thirty years of media production experience with a wide variety of storytelling projects that include commercials, documentaries, and live events. He began his career in the feature film and television industry in Los Angeles, California. Naturally driven by a passion for the creative and analytical, he believes that people should be kind to one another, and strives to live by example.
See more Posts

Kirtland Local Schools Newly Renovated Wilson Stadium Officially Opens

Written by

Kirtland Local Schools Newly Renovated Wilson Stadium Officially Opens
Despite a major storm and power outages in Northeastern Ohio, the Kirtland Local School District persevered and held a ribbon cutting ceremony that officially inaugurated the newly renovated Kirtland High School athletics stadium. The first home football game at Wilson Stadium brought victory to the Hornets.

Kirtland Local School's Newly Renovated Wilson Stadium Officially Opens

Despite a major storm and power outages in Northeastern Ohio, the Kirtland Local School District persevered and held a ribbon cutting ceremony that officially inaugurated the newly renovated Kirtland High School athletics stadium. The completely remodeled and renamed Wilson Stadium opened as planned at the beginning of the 2023-2024 school year.

Kirtland Local Schools partnered with ThenDesign Architecture (TDA) to provide architectural and design services by working with school administrators to update the stadium. Marous Brothers Construction was the construction manager at risk.

With the state-of-the-art stadium featuring a resurfaced polyurethane track, high-quality synthetic turf, efficient LED lighting, a vibrant, cutting-edge digital 14′ by 25′ 15,900-watt scoreboard, and a remodeled press box, the modernized facility will further advance the championship-winning Kirtland High School sports program and become the envy of rival districts throughout the state.

On August 26, Kirtland Local School District Superintendent Chad VanArnhem welcomed guests by playing a special pre-recorded introduction on the brand-new scoreboard, demonstrating the sharp video and crisp sound. “As we stand before this renovated stadium, our anticipation for the future knows no bounds,” he told the crowd. “This exquisite facility is poised to host countless milestones in the years ahead.”

A New Era of Excellence Begins

“Having an amazing new field and stadium will continue the athletic excellence and push forward the academic excellence that Kirtland High School and all of our schools in Lake County are known for,” noted Lake County Commissioner John Plecnik.

Among the attendees to give special comments at the newly renovated Wilson Stadium, Kirtland Schools Athletic Director Matt Paul acknowledged the challenge brought by the recent storm, “I was going to start by saying I was 100% sure we’d never have to move another game now that we have the synthetic turf. And then yesterday happened, and I was in full panic mode. I am so glad…we’re here today.”

“What an exciting evening. I'm so excited for our football team, cheerleaders, and band to be able to showcase this beautiful facility that we have just finished up.”
Chad VanArnhem
Superintendent of Kirtland Local Schools

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

Fans Flood the New Wilson Stadium

The celebratory atmosphere of the standing-room-only packed stadium was enhanced by the palpable excitement of the season’s first home football game, which took place after the ribbon cutting.

In true Hornet’s fashion, the football team brought their all onto the playing field before the cheering crowd, and beat their opponents, scoring the first win of the season.

An Evening of Excitement

Playing to Win

The student-athletes who played a game in the new stadium shared their thoughts on the artificial turf and being in a redesigned stadium. “We feel better and quicker,” noted Will, a 12th-grade football player. “It’s a better environment. Everyone is excited about the turf. It’s great.”

Maia is a girls’ soccer team member, “Not only is it awesome to be able to play on a turf field my senior year, but it’s about the true measure of success beyond the scoreboard. It’s about the values we uphold, the friendships we forge, and the lessons we learn on and off the field.”

Thanks to the passing of a levy and the generous contributions from the local Kirtland community, the renovated cutting-edge Wilson Stadium is a versatile facility that will host soccer, football, and track and field competitions for decades to come.

Football Football Football
"I could say I've always been proud to be a Hornet, but I haven't always been proud of our facilities. But now I am. I'm very proud of this stadium."
Matt Paul
Athletic Director of Kirtland Local Schools

Photo Courtesy of Marous Brothers Construction

Marc Cebrian

Marc Cebrian

Communications

Get our newsletter with insights, events and tips.

Facebook Linkedin Twitter Instagram

Recent Posts:

Marc Cebrian

Marc Cebrian

Marc has over thirty years of media production experience with a wide variety of storytelling projects that include commercials, documentaries, and live events. He began his career in the feature film and television industry in Los Angeles, California. Naturally driven by a passion for the creative and analytical, he believes that people should be kind to one another, and strives to live by example.
See more Posts