Katherine, Nipmuc Alumni
“With the help of a great coaching staff and talented upperclassmen, I was able to become a very skilled player. Nipmuc athletics have always had the talent, grit, and determination to create great athletes, but they would see far more participation and success if the athletic facilities received more attention and funding.
Had the character of Nipmuc athletics been combined with better facilities, more students would be able to be recruited and play at the college level, a privilege that is seen mostly at schools with a higher level of funding and support. I hope the Mendon-Upton Regional School District is able to give their students the best resources possible to have the same amazing experience I did.”
Bailey, Nipmuc Alumni
“People called our field the “jungle” but we called it the “litter box” because there was hardly any green grass to consider it to be a jungle. It was more like a huge dirt patch that was a second thought since you couldn’t see it from the street. Playing on grass had a huge impact on our body and athletic ability. That’s why I think it would be important to not only add in a well for those back fields but eventually a turf field.”
Jacqueline, Nipmuc Field Hockey Alumni, Class of 2006
Athletes work hard to improve their skills, to give the team the competitive edge needed to win games, and for some, to play at the collegiate level. Our athletes constantly adjust their play, decision making, and skill options when shifting between grass and turf surfaces during season and in playoffs.
Access to their own turf surface would enhance the overall skill of the field hockey players and team at Nipmuc. Turf surfaces allow athletes to plan dodges, passes and shots with more precision and speed compared to grass, which adds a level of unpredictability due to weather, bumps, and divots and is a slower paced game.
Dave, Nipmuc Head Football Coach
There is no question that the facilities at Nipmuc are challenging. We currently practice on the baseball field which limits some of things that we can do. We cannot practice kickoffs or returns because we do not have a full field. By October the grass is gone and we have no yard lines to practice situations. This also increases injuries because of the surface.
Having worked in programs with lights, playing Friday nights generates a great deal more revenue than playing on Saturdays. Playing on turf, under the lights, is a great experience for athletes in all sports, and brings the community together.
MURSD Parent
“Our student athletes play away games on fields that blow ours away. It’s embarrassing to host games and have the other teams commenting on the condition of our fields.”
Stephanie, Community Member
“Not having sidewalks on my street, it would be great to walk on a designated path with my friends and neighbors!”
Jayden, student
“It feels like you are playing on a swamp. One time I was playing and slipped and a big chunk of grass came out. We had to stop the game to fix it.”
Ashlyn, student
“Our fields need to be fully accessible, when I sprained my ankle on the field I had to hop down a flight of stairs just to get in a wheelchair for help.”
Riley, student
“It's mud with a few patches of grass. When it rains the field is muddy and we have to cancel practice. And no track - how does a high school not have a track? Sprinters have to run in the cafeteria.”
Morgan, student
It's all dirt by the nets - all dirt and no grass.
Cillian, student
“Ground is always torn up and it's not good.