Improved Playing Fields Get Good Use This Fall
In its second year of use, the resurfaced artificial turf on McCandless Field has proved to be an exceptional playing space for School (and occasionally College) teams. And this fall, with the completion of upgrades to the Mesa soccer field, Upper School athletic facilities have received another boost.
Work on the Mesa field began early this summer and included reorienting the field from east-west to north-south, expanding its size to meet tournament dimensions, and improving the grass. The addition of permanent lighting will greatly extend playing and practice hours.
“The new soccer Mesa and lights give Principia one of the highest quality playing surfaces in the St. Louis area,” says Athletics Director Brad Warrick.
While the fields make the campus look better than ever, their value is far more than cosmetic—and extends beyond athletics. Students are quick to explain that sports at Principia are as much about spiritual growth as athletics. As one upper schooler put it in his thank you letter to a donor, “Another reason why I think Prin is such a great school to attend is because of what you learn in athletics. I have learned that winning is not the only thing that matters but also sportsmanship and making others better.”
Character development is a vital component of the Principia athletics program. As Warrick observes, “These quality fields remind us to be deeply grateful and also highlight the duty we have to give as a result of this great gain—not only by giving thanks and sharing the fields with others but also through our teams’ wholehearted efforts to make the most of every opportunity to play on these incredible fields.”