www.saljournal.com/rdnews/Story/Bethany-College-to-reno -
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Published on: 3/5/2008
Last Visited: 3/6/2008
The college last renovated the field with new grass in about 1995, said former head football coach Ted Kessinger.Twice in the following years, in 1999 and 2003, the college studied installing artificial turf but did not go ahead.
Kessinger now serves as a special consultant to the president of Bethany, Edward Leonard III.
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Kessinger headed a committee formed in December 2007 that began researching a multipurpose FieldTurf project.
The committee included representation from the community, the school district, the college and Bethany students.
Their findings were that a FieldTurf surface, which incorporates granular rubber from shredded vehicle tires, promises greater safety and fewer risks of injury to players.
"On the turf we have, muddy days bring problems," Kessinger said.Footing is hard for players to maintain, and the field surface gets hard when it dries out.And, multiple games played on the field in a short time wears down the natural turf quickly, he said.
With the artificial turf, "You'll see a faster type field, and weather conditions won't be as much of a factor," Kessinger said.
"I think the plus is, with this project ... there's a close connection working with the public schools and support from the community, as well," he said.