21 January 2013
ATHLETICS: Riverside Poly has completed its first synthetic track and artificial turf field.
By John Burke, Staff Writer
After a long period of construction, the new track and field facilities opened on Friday, December 21. The new track at Poly is a standard all-weather track composed primarily of polyurethane. This is now the standardized track for most competitions. The soccer/football field is composed of artificial turf, which is a surface of synthetic fibers made to resemble natural grass; it is most commonly used for sports because of its durability. There are billions of little black rubber pellets that rest between the grass fibers. Poly’s Athletic Director, Robert Ritzau, lets athletes know that “You’re actually playing on old tires,” as the black pellets are formed from grinding up old and used tires.
The new track and field will be used by a multitude of Poly’s sports teams. Boys’ and girls’ soccer, both varsity and junior varsity, will play all their home games on the field. “I am very excited for this new field,” JV soccer Captain Daisy Valencia (10) said. Freshmen and JV football games will also take place on the field, whereas the varsity football team will only use the new field to practice; home games will still be at Ramona. Marching band will also use the field to practice and P.E. classes will make use of the facilities as well. And Poly’s Track and Field team is, of course, very excited to use the new track. “We can race at home now!” distance runner Sam O’Neill (10) said. Poly was unable to hold track meets last year due to the construction taking place on the track. “But now we will host our own track meets again here at Poly,” Ritzau said.
But the track will not be reserved exclusively for Poly students. Youth sport leagues always need a place to play, and for a fee, they can now use Poly.
Yet a hidden danger lies within those chewed-up black tires. According to a handout titled Use of Artificial Turf and Synthetic Track Rules and Regulations distributed by the district, “It is common for artificial turf and track surfaces to radiate heat up directly above their surface up to forty degrees hotter than the ambient (air) temperature. It is not uncommon for turf temperatures to reach 130+ degrees on a ninety-five degree day.” This poses a very real threat to athletes who are already playing extremely strenuous sports. The handout dictates that an adult who is familiar with the signs and symptoms of heat stress and sickness must always be present when the field is in use.
Many at Poly seem to be proud of their new track. Ritzau reported, “Everyone was pretty jazzed up” when it used for the first time for a boys’ soccer tournament. “It is very beautiful,” Valencia said. “It really shows the school spirit and pride that Poly is known to have.”