The Bison football team will begin their 2012 season on Sept. 8 as they take on The University of North Alabama in Florence, Ala.
The Bisons hope to start the season strong with four returning starters.
On top of hard workouts and training camps, the team now has another weapon to help them get the win: brand new turf.
According to Athletic Director Greg Harnden, the turf was laid over the summer by a company called ProGrass and took about three weeks to complete. Since the base of the field was in such great shape, the project was cheaper and quicker than expected.
The old turf served the team for seven years, where the new generation of turf should last about 10-12 years.
Since the Bisons share the field with Harding Academy for games and practices, it will be nice to have the new turf hold up better and longer.
According to head football coach Ronnie Huckeba, the new turf has brought several advantages to the team, the most important being safety.
“I believe the new turf has provided benefit in several areas: it is aesthetically pleasing, it is a much more consistent playing surface and, without a doubt, the biggest advantage is that it has provided an additional level of safety for both our team and our opponents,” Huckeba said.
The new turf is also easier on the players’ bodies, putting less strain on their legs and feet. Huckeba said the team has had very few, if any, turf abrasions while practicing this season.
Harding did not have to pay for the new turf itself as the cost was covered by money from advertisers: First Security Bank, Bison Boosters and the scoreboard advertisers.
The total cost for them was approximately $360,000, which was much cheaper than expected, due to it simply being a replacement as opposed to a brand new field.
The team also appreciates the appearance of the new turf.
“The football team thinks it is wonderful,” Harnden said. “Personally, I love the gold end zones and the Bison at mid-field. It is an awesome looking field.”
Senior linebacker Kennard Henderson said the field feels like playing on real grass. He said there is a distinct difference from past seasons.
“I absolutely love the new turf,” Henderson said. “It’s thicker and softer than the turf we had last year. And it’s definitely eye catching.”
The first chance to see the Bisons play on their new home turf will be Sept. 29 against East Central University at 6 p.m.
“The team was really excited when coach revealed the design to us and now we’re loving practicing on it,” senior defensive end Josh Aldridge said. “It’s going to be real exciting playing our first home game on it.”
