Loveland Athletic Booster President, Jeff Williams wished he could name a date certain, but would only commit to saying that the Boosters need $100,000 more in donations before the installation of “Tiger Turf” at Loveland High School Stadium would begin. He made the plea to hundreds of youth, middle and high school football teams, coaches, and parents on March 8 at the annual Football Kickoff meeting at the High School. He said that more individuals needed to donate to make the new field a possibility before football begins in the fall.
The guest speaker for the evening was former Bengal, and Pro Football Hall of Fame offensive tackle Anthony Munoz. He talked to the young athletics about the trials he went through at USC to fulfill his goal of playing against UCLA in the Rose Bowl. Because of injuries, he played almost no college ball, yet was persistent enough in training and rehab to reach what at times seemed an insurmountable personal goal. Knee problems limited Munoz to just a combined eight games in his junior and senior college seasons. Munoz also talked to the young football players about respecting their own abilities enough to stay clear of drugs and illegal substances.
Loveland Head Football Coach Andrew Marlatt emceed the late afternoon program and also introduced his assistant coaches. Each talked about the upcoming season and what players and parents can expect from them, and what they will expect from the players.
A group of community volunteers are coordinating an effort to raise non-school funds to install artificial turf at the Loveland High School stadium. The $500,000 Tiger Turf campaign hopes to replace the grass playing field with a “third generation” field turf, hopefully installed for the Fall 2009 football and soccer season. No school district funds will be used for the project, and campaign organizers say that artificial turf will save the District money in maintenance costs. Williams said that there will be an average annual savings of $25,000 to the District with the new turf field. He also said a turf field can be used year around by many athletic and community organizations that will generate rental income.
Williams told Loveland Magazine that $250,000 has been raised so far and had just received a check for $7,000. He said they have secured a loan form a private individual for $150,000, but that they need another $100,000 before they will commit to a tentative construction date of June 15. He said that about five percent of families in the District have contributed to the campaign so far and they hope to increase that number, because the summer installation is, “Totally up to more fund raising.” Every donor, no matter how large or small the donation will be recognized on a plaque at the stadium. He said that many small donations could now add up quickly and make the installation a reality.
Williams said the initial estimate of $525,000 for installation has recently been reduced to around $502,000. He said that the economic downturn made the reduction possible, but said the same economic downturn also makes fund raising difficult. He described the lower installation cost as a “once in a lifetime opportunity” that he hoped wouldn't be missed.
The loan is being made by an individual that told Williams, “Hey, you guys are working so hard, and this is for the entire community.”
All donor levels can be made as an individual or a corporate sponsorship and are Tax Deductible.
To make an on-line donation and view the Gift Recognition Levels, CLICK HERE
Mail your donation to:
P. O. Box 458
Loveland, OH 45140-0458
Contact Williams via E-mail.
