76 replies to this topic

[flyerball23]

Press release on the Vespa Quarterback Club website. Also has picture of the turf design.

Sidney Memorial Stadium Artificial Turf Project

January 18, 2014


Tonight the Sidney Vespa Quarterback Club and the Artificial Turf Steering Committee is announcing that we will install artificial turf in Sidney Memorial Stadium this spring. While the fund raising is still continuing, we have reached the point that we will sign a contract to immediately proceed with the project. We would like to congratulate the administrations, faculty, staff and students of both Lehman Catholic High School and Sidney City Schools as well as the community of Sidney. We would also like to give a sincere thanks to all of our personal and business donors to this project.


If you are interested in making a donation to the project, please feel free to email the club at vespaquarterbackclub@yahoo.com or contact one of the following committee members; Devon Beer, Tom Burns, Barry Eilert, Tom Frantz, Mike Lochard, Tom Martin, David Riley, David Rose, Tony Schroeder, Jeramie Sollmann.

[displacedrocket]

Can't wait for it to be installed. Here's to several 2014 state playoff games in Sidney!

[HH75]

If they take the kick ball lines off, I will make a donation!!

[hoop_n_harm]

 HH75, on 22 January 2014 - 05:29 PM, said:

If they take the kick ball lines off, I will make a donation!!

Won't happen. Half of the committee members who are involved in this project have/had kids in both high schools soccer programs. And one is a varsity head coach. They don't need your arrogance. Or your money.

[HH75]

No arrogance here. ??? Where did you come up with that?

This is no different than any other business transaction. If you don't like "store A's" product why would you go to "store A" .

I simply stated that if they changed the product to more of what I desired I would "purchase" .

You also seem to fail at reading because it clearly states that donations are still being accepted. I highly doubt they would turn down my money if offered with out my stipulations.

[flyerball23]

Actually from what I read the soccer lines are being put on the field to give them the capability to host OHSAA tournament games. Also Sidney has a huge youth soccer tournament during the spring. This would allow the community to use the stadium for those games as well. There will be no other soccer on the field except if the grass soccer field is unplayable for either a game or practice (and they must work around the football schedule obviously.) Sidney has an outstanding soccer/track facility.

I'm not a fan of soccer but I like the fact that they incorporated this into the field because it shows that this project is not just designed for sidney and lehman football, but something that will benefit the entire community. This was the reason the lines were put on the field, not because the former head girls coach at Lehman is on the committee.

[hoop_n_harm]

I was pointing out your arrogant statement of calling soccer kick-ball. You make it sound like American Football is the "real man" sport which it looks like you are trying to belittle the game of soccer. I wasn't implying that because of Tony being on the committee, there's soccer lines on the turf because Lehmans/Sidney soccer teams would use the field for practices and games. I know he has a lot of impact on both of Lehmans soccer programs. Like you said about hosting tournament games, he knew that if Sidney put in field turf the schools would generate some money from hosting district/regional games for not only football but soccer as well. Considering that when teams get into districts, it must be played on field turf. At least that's how it is in the SW district. I know in NW district the rules are completely different. Sorry if I busted your chaps. I love both sports but I played college soccer. But when people term the word soccer as "kick-ball" it seems like you're pussifying the sport and some people like me find it offensive. I felt the need to step in and correct your "politically incorrect" use of that word(s).

[displacedrocket]

Asthetically would the field look better (to football fans) without the soccer lines? Sure, but only a fool would pass up future revenue streams over such a little detail.
Sustainability is a large part of this project. They hope is to build a savings that will serve to mantain the current field as well as purchase a new field without
having to go back to donors that footed the bill for this field in the future. Extra revenue streams like soccer state playoff games will be a large part of this. Again I'm very
excited and proud of this community for being able to get this project done. With continued strong leadership this field will be a big asset for Sidney for years to come.

Edited by displacedrocket, 24 January 2014 - 10:22 AM.

[displacedrocket]

 flyerball23, on 23 January 2014 - 10:32 AM, said:

Actually from what I read the soccer lines are being put on the field to give them the capability to host OHSAA tournament games. Also Sidney has a huge youth soccer tournament during the spring. This would allow the community to use the stadium for those games as well. There will be no other soccer on the field except if the grass soccer field is unplayable for either a game or practice (and they must work around the football schedule obviously.) Sidney has an outstanding soccer/track facility.

I'm not a fan of soccer but I like the fact that they incorporated this into the field because it shows that this project is not just designed for sidney and lehman football, but something that will benefit the entire community. This was the reason the lines were put on the field, not because the former head girls coach at Lehman is on the committee.

Flyer great point. I'm not a soccer fan either. Looking at the competitiveness of both of the soccer and football programs in Sidney, soccer has far exceeded football and it's not really even close. It would only be fair to let the soccer program utitlize the new field as wanted/needed. Hopefully the investment by the community in this new field will be a recruiting tool for the football program that will help them be more competitive in the future.

Edited by displacedrocket, 24 January 2014 - 10:30 AM.

[HH75]

 hoop_n_harm, on 23 January 2014 - 10:53 AM, said:

I was pointing out your arrogant statement of calling soccer kick-ball. You make it sound like American Football is the "real man" sport which it looks like you are trying to belittle the game of soccer. I wasn't implying that because of Tony being on the committee, there's soccer lines on the turf because Lehmans/Sidney soccer teams would use the field for practices and games. I know he has a lot of impact on both of Lehmans soccer programs. Like you said about hosting tournament games, he knew that if Sidney put in field turf the schools would generate some money from hosting district/regional games for not only football but soccer as well. Considering that when teams get into districts, it must be played on field turf. At least that's how it is in the SW district. I know in NW district the rules are completely different. Sorry if I busted your chaps. I love both sports but I played college soccer. But when people term the word soccer as "kick-ball" it seems like you're pussifying the sport and some people like me find it offensive. I felt the need to step in and correct your "politically incorrect" use of that word(s).

Amassing how easily people get offended. Are you offended when basketball is referred to as "barn ball"?
If you really are offended at the term kick ball then I had nothing to do with the sports perceived "pussified" (your term not mine) image.

BTW I have no problem with the turf, with or with out kick ball lines! ( couldn't resist!)

Host all the games you want !!

Edited by HH75, 24 January 2014 - 12:13 PM.

[bob22]

I hope Sidney adds field hockey or lacrosse someday so they can add a few more lines

[Yellow_Jacket06]

 seminolegold, on 16 December 2013 - 11:13 AM, said:

True, they could do that...But I don't think the state will have Marion Local and Delphos St. John's meet in Sidney instead of Wapak or Lima for example. Just doesn't make since to have them drive further south. Sidney is to close to Piqua. There are a lot of turf fields that go unused during the playoffs because of location. Plus the state likes using familiar sites because the schools are used to hosting. A lot of work goes into hosting games.

Sidney has already hosted playoff games in the past when the stadium was relatively new. Even after Piqua got turf they still hosted games. Weather and usage wore the field down to the point where it was no longer suitable for the postseason. That won't be an issue anymore and playoff games will return.

Edited by Yellow_Jacket06, 27 January 2014 - 08:00 AM.

[Yellow_Jacket06]

The soccer lines will be there because the stadium will be used for OHSAA Soccer playoffs and the yearly MayFest Soccer Tournament for U8-U16 traveling teams. Teams from all over the country come here for that tournament.

List of stadium uses from the vespa website:

Sidney Football Games
Lehman Football Games
OHSAA Football Playoff Games
OHSAA Soccer Playoff Games
Marching Band Competitions
Sidney Little League Football
Little Cavs Football
MayFest Soccer Tournament
Big Four Soccer Tournament
Large Corportate/Community Events
Sidney Civic Band Concerts
Year round practices for all outdoor athletics

[flyerball23]

Looked up the newspaper article in the Sidney Daily News about the turf annoucement and a couple of things caught my eye. First off all anyone have any history with the Motz Group out of Cincinnati? They are putting down the turf, article says Piqua, Ohio State, and Urbana U all have had turf by this company. I know they all look great on TV and in person but was curious as to what those who have been on this turf have to say. If Ohio State used them I' have to think they are great.

"Tentative plans call for Lehman to scrimmage Parkway at 5:30 and Anna to take on Bellefontaine at 8 p.m. on Aug. 22, then Sidney will scrimmage Meadowdale at 10:30 a.m. and Fort Loramie will meet Fort Recovery at 1 p.m. on Aug. 23".

This was the second thing I saw that caught my eye. Having all 4 shelby county teams scrimmage there sounds like a good way to open things up. Also a few of the opponents have connections with the stadium. Parkway is coached by a former Sidney coach, and Bellefontaine is a long time Sidney rival and Sidneys first opponent on the new turf. And Anna will play Lehman there week 1 and Loramie could end up with playoff games there. Great way to showcase the place to the whole county. Any idea if there will be any ceremonies that weekend or when Lehman and Sidney open the regular season?

Is there any where to find 7 on 7 schedules or these teams other scrimmages? I can't wait to make it down there to see the finished product!

[mysteryman2014]

Is Sidney even good?
What have they done latley?

[Yellow_Jacket06]

 mysteryman2014, on 28 January 2014 - 01:57 PM, said:

Is Sidney even good?
What have they done latley?

Not really relevant to this topic but I'll bite anyway.

They have struggled for the most part of the 2000's with only one winning season back in 2003. As one of the smallest D2 teams in the state their schedules rarely do them any favors with 4 or 5 D1's every year playing in the GWOC.. Recently had levy issues which forced high pay-to-play costs and further damaged the program. Hit rock bottom in 2010 & 2011 with consecutive 0-10 seasons. Bounced back with 4 wins in each of the last 2 seasons with young teams. Things are looking up with some stability in coaching and philosophy throughout the entire program.

[mysteryman2014]

 Yellow_Jacket06, on 29 January 2014 - 12:30 AM, said:

Not really relevant to this topic but I'll bite anyway.

They have struggled for the most part of the 2000's with only one winning season back in 2003. As one of the smallest D2 teams in the state their schedules rarely do them any favors with 4 or 5 D1's every year playing in the GWOC.. Recently had levy issues which forced high pay-to-play costs and further damaged the program. Hit rock bottom in 2010 & 2011 with consecutive 0-10 seasons. Bounced back with 4 wins in each of the last 2 seasons with young teams. Things are looking up with some stability in coaching and philosophy throughout the entire program.

Thanks just curious havent heard much about their football program.

[Rajaha]

 flyerball23, on 28 January 2014 - 01:07 PM, said:

Looked up the newspaper article in the Sidney Daily News about the turf annoucement and a couple of things caught my eye. First off all anyone have any history with the Motz Group out of Cincinnati? They are putting down the turf, article says Piqua, Ohio State, and Urbana U all have had turf by this company. I know they all look great on TV and in person but was curious as to what those who have been on this turf have to say. If Ohio State used them I' have to think they are great.

"Tentative plans call for Lehman to scrimmage Parkway at 5:30 and Anna to take on Bellefontaine at 8 p.m. on Aug. 22, then Sidney will scrimmage Meadowdale at 10:30 a.m. and Fort Loramie will meet Fort Recovery at 1 p.m. on Aug. 23".

This was the second thing I saw that caught my eye. Having all 4 shelby county teams scrimmage there sounds like a good way to open things up. Also a few of the opponents have connections with the stadium. Parkway is coached by a former Sidney coach, and Bellefontaine is a long time Sidney rival and Sidneys first opponent on the new turf. And Anna will play Lehman there week 1 and Loramie could end up with playoff games there. Great way to showcase the place to the whole county. Any idea if there will be any ceremonies that weekend or when Lehman and Sidney open the regular season?

Is there any where to find 7 on 7 schedules or these teams other scrimmages? I can't wait to make it down there to see the finished product!

there is a big weekend event, there is a volleyball tournement at the middel school and i believe soccer has a scrimmage/game as well....i know idea is you buy 1 ticket and its good for all of the weekends events, so all 4 scrimmages, volleyball, soccer, and anything else going on...it could be a really good weekend for the community

i also have heard sidney wil have about 3-4 7on7's ove rthe summe on the turf, dates forth coming

Edited by Rajaha, 29 January 2014 - 10:08 AM.

[displacedrocket]

 Rajaha, on 29 January 2014 - 10:08 AM, said:

there is a big weekend event, there is a volleyball tournement at the middel school and i believe soccer has a scrimmage/game as well....i know idea is you buy 1 ticket and its good for all of the weekends events, so all 4 scrimmages, volleyball, soccer, and anything else going on...it could be a really good weekend for the community i also have heard sidney wil have about 3-4 7on7's ove rthe summe on the turf, dates forth coming

Very cool Raj. More than ever I'm sold that the biggest part of having a competitive hs program comes from community support. When kids in the community feel like the community supports what they are doing and is encouraging and pushing them to do it at a high level then they are much, much more likely to succeed. I think the failed levys and some of the coaching turnover in the Sidney has contributed to a large part of that, and obviously talent is a large part of that equation as well. I think coaching coaching and lack of community has drained some of the interest and commitment levels of Sidney high schoolers over the last several years. Hopefully this new field is something that can further bring this community together and help Sidney High Athletics to compete for championships. Also there's a good deal of talent coming up in the middle school that can further expedite the competitive process.

Edited by displacedrocket, 30 January 2014 - 02:05 PM.

[Yellow_Jacket06]

 displacedrocket, on 30 January 2014 - 02:02 PM, said:

Very cool Raj. More than ever I'm sold that the biggest part of having a competitive hs program comes from community support. When kids in the community feel like the community supports what they are doing and is encouraging and pushing them to do it at a high level then they are much, much more likely to succeed. I think the failed levys and some of the coaching turnover in the Sidney has contributed to a large part of that, and obviously talent is a large part of that equation as well. I think coaching coaching and lack of community has drained some of the interest and commitment levels of Sidney high schoolers over the last several years. Hopefully this new field is something that can further bring this community together and help Sidney High Athletics to compete for championships. Also there's a good deal of talent coming up in the middle school that can further expedite the competitive process.

Unfortunately, I fear we'll end up back in the same boat again. The community support still isn't there. The last couple levy's have failed and I wouldn't be surprised if pay to play returned eventually. It's frustrating to live here sometimes.

Edited by Yellow_Jacket06, 02 February 2014 - 07:14 PM.