Where should Joliet Steelmen play football?
Joliet Central Principal John Randich said he's heard all three sides. There's folks that want football games to be played at Joliet Memorial Stadium where the games used to be held until the schools combined teams.
Others think Joliet Central needs its own football field, bleachers, concession stand and lockers - just like Joliet West High School.
Then, others want the games to be held at Silver Cross Field. The big problem with Silver Cross Field is the price tag of $2,500 per game even after the upgrades the district puts in.
With the creation of two sports teams at both campuses, the district proposed installing artificial turf at Silver Cross Field in order to play games there. The district expects to pay $2.2 million to put in the artificial turf and for other improvements at the stadium.
In March, the JackHammers told the district it would cost $2,500 to use the field per day - the same amount charged to anyone else who would rent out the field. However, University of St. Francis which pays $2,100 per game as part of its long-term agreement.
Superintendent Paul Swanstrom said it's not fair that the district pay that amount. And, now the decision to come up with a cheaper rental fee is in the hands of the City of Joliet which owns the field and rents it out to the JackHammers.
What do you think - where should the Steelmen play football?
Catherine Ann Velasco has covered education and children and family issues for The Herald-News since 1997. She keeps an eye on schools in Will and Grundy counties. Her best stories always come from readers’ tips or public comment during a board meeting. So if there’s some good news or bad news at your school – she’d like to know. Join the conversation about the twists and turns and surprises that pop up on her beat. And, find some extra news that she just can’t wait to tell you.
They need to have the very same as West. The board promised that when they ask the voters that very same question!!!!! It is time they deliver what they promised and quit over thinking. Central never has had its own football stadium and the field off Collins St. could be fixed up to be a great place.
I completely agree with Glen.They need there own field. If West gets there own then Central should.
I think Glen makes a valid point. I belive the school board would agree and they will make the best decisions for the kids - that is an on-campus facility equal to West. This decision could do wonders, not only for Joliet Central students, but for the east side of Joliet as a whole when you think of the positive economic impact it would have on current and potential businesses.
Joliet Central needs to have a facility that is closer to its students and the community that are being asked to support its athletic and activity programs. Although Memorial Stadium is a wonderful facility, it forces our students and their families to travel to, what should be considered, a neutral site, not a home field. In addition, any younger students would have to arrange for rides there or use public transportation, which are not always viable options. Silver Cross Field comes with its own problems and conflicts and should not be considered an option for the high school. Scheduling for everone involved would be a nightmare. It feels as though Joliet Central is being targeted as the City of Joliet's bail out for the lack of funds generated by its current occupants. Finally, Joliet West has a facility that is designated for the use of the school. Whether it is football, track, soccer, band or ROTC, they have priority when it comes to scheduling. The land is there and available for renovation. Take care of the Joliet Central Steelmen and provide them with a home field that they can be proud of and call home!
Why is District 204 the only district, in my knowledge, to even question this issue? Would Sandburg parents stand for off campus facilities if their sister schools of Stagg and Andrew had on campus facilities? The Lincoln Ways? Valley View? How does an off campus site help practices, the PE department, potential feeder programs and other events promoting school spirtit...powder puff and assemblies for example. The biggest concern I have is if the situation was reveresed. What if Joliet West needed the upgrades? Would we be waiting? Would this situation even exist? This is a no brainer. Joliet Central needs their own facilities.
Is this seriously a question? Central needs to have EXACTLY the same as West- fields, concessions, etc. I am a Central grad (many years ago) and for so long their seemed to have been inequalities. Giving Central students the same as West would not only boost thier school spirit and PRIDE in their school and community, but would overall help downtown Joliet be a great place to be. Stop treating Central like the red-headed step-child!