South Milwaukee students, coaches thankful for $100,000 grant from Green Bay Packers
The renovation initiative, costing $3.8 million, completely revitalized the premises, exchanging natural grass fields with synthetic turf, refurbishing the track, and introducing a state-of-the-art scoreboard.
According to the school district, this funding marks significant progress; however, some assert that its impact extends beyond athletic facilities.
Reflecting on the transformation, senior Karla Mercado Rodriguez shared, “It was challenging. The field’s irregularities often influenced the trajectory of the ball.”
Elaine Rojas-Castillo
Karla Mercado Rodriguez is a senior athlete participating in both the girls’ swim and soccer teams.
Describing the conditions before the renovation, sophomore Shaundel Williams remarked, “The field was muddy, with a significant lump in the center. Players frequently slipped, struggling to gain traction.”
Elaine Rojas-Castillo
Shaundel Williams, a sophomore, engages in football and track athletics.
Junior Ryan Nauman recalled the challenges posed by rainy conditions, stating, “It was dreadful, constantly falling and slipping.”
Elaine Rojas-Castillo
Ryan Nauman, a junior student athlete involved in football and track.
Senior Aliha Espitia described the previous conditions, noting, “The terrain was uneven; we played on a slope prior to the installation of the turf. It was somewhat messy, leading to occasional twisted ankles.”
Elaine Rojas-Castillo
Aliha Espitia, a senior student athlete participating in girls’ soccer.
However, those challenges are now history, largely due to a $100,000 grant provided by the Green Bay Packers.
Ante Udovicic, the Athletic Director of South Milwaukee High School, expressed, “Every group, activity, or sport will eventually benefit from this facility.”
Elaine Rojas-Castillo
Ante Udovicic, serving as the athletic director, is an alumnus of South Milwaukee High School’s class of 1990.
The $3.8 million renovation initiative completely revamped the facilities, substituting natural grass fields with synthetic turf, renewing the track surface, and installing a new scoreboard.
Peter Dufek, the Head Football Coach and Assistant Track Coach at South Milwaukee High School, emphasized, “It provides young athletes and potential future stars the opportunity to compete on a high-quality field and surface.”
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