If you cannot already tell from the piles of dirt in the parking lot, Montrose is making a huge change to our campus by adding turf fields. This is not just a big deal for beautifying the campus, as the grass is always green and beautiful, but this change will help our sports teams achieve even greater success. Here are just a few ways why the turf fields are going to be a big improvement for Montrose athletes:

Studies show that turf provides a steady and even surface for athletes to play on, creating a safer playing field for the athletes. The turf’s surface is smoother than grass with less tripping hazards. Plus, it is softer and more forgiving when someone falls down or makes a sudden movement. The steady and soft surface of turf enables competitors to play better than they ever could have imagined. This is key for players as games continue to become more intense. Statistics show that there has been a significant decrease in injuries when athletes play on turf rather than grass. Synthetic Turf Treasure Coast states: “As the surface deforms, it will store potential energy that is transferred from the athlete, returning this energy to the athlete when they leave the surface.” You cannot get that with grass! Not only does turf feel good while playing, but it is scientifically proven you will be able to perform with greater energy on this playing surface. Turf enables players to perform at a more intense, higher level of play. 

Turf is also reliable and can be played on in most every weather condition; it can even be shoveled for play in the snow! Grass tends to become muddy or uneven when exposed to weather, which can lead to injuries and damaged fields. The reliability of turf makes for less rescheduled games. Many sports play games in rain or snow unless it is unsafe for the players. With grass the muddy and slippery surface holds back the athletes. Turf makes for safer conditions and more playing opportunities no matter what the weather looks like! 

There are many more advantages to having turf fields. The even surface of astroturf gives athletes better control of the ball allowing faster play. Competitors are able to make more sudden movements and take off faster. In addition, turf lasts for a very long time. Grass requires maintenance, while turf is always ready to go! Turf fields are also helping out the environment. While there are some cons when it comes to turf and the environment, turf saves water and gas because it does not need watering or the machines (which are gas powered) that paint (and re-paint) the lines on the field. Most colleges, clubs and professional sports arenas have turf fields, so adding turf to our campus gives Montrose athletes a head start on this incredible surface, which will set them up for success beyond North Street. Playing on turf will also give athletes a sneak peak into what the next level of play will feel like.

The future of the athletic department at Montrose is bright. The turf fields will help grow the intensity and level of play of our sports program. The fields will help attract even more athletes to Montrose. More talented athletes at Montrose combined with the new turf fields will certainly make a great impact on the program! The new turf fields will surely lead to great success and many more championships to come!

Sources:

Cornell College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. “Synthetic Turf.” Cornell College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, safesportsfields.cals.cornell.edu/synthetic-turf/. 

Leavell, Kathy. “Why Artificial Turf Improves Athletes’ Performance.” Synthetic Turf Treasure Coast, 28 Mar. 2023, www.syntheticturftc.com/why-artificial-turf-improves-athletes-performance.