Our Fields, Our Future

By ISABELLA CUADRADO

Imagine stepping onto a field where the ground is uneven, rain turns it into a mud pit, and the constant presence of goose droppings is more predictable than a home field win. For Washingtonville student athletes, this isn’t imagination, it’s routine. Despite their dedication and skill, our teams must navigate conditions that are not only unsafe, but also demoralizing. The effects ripple far beyond gameday.

Unreliable fields lead to canceled practices, limited skill development, and fewer home games. Visiting teams express their frustration and, worse, college scouts often bypass our events altogether. When scouting opportunities are missed because games are moved or cut short, our student athletes lose more than playtime, they lose chances at scholarships and futures.

While Washingtonville’s $43.4 million Capital Project includes impressive upgrades, such as a new multi purpose synthetic turf field and track at the football stadium, and state-of-the-art renovations to the pool, this same level of attention is not being given across the board. The upper fields, used by many sports, are receiving only minimal improvements like drainage and a new access driveway; there are no bleachers and no lighting included. Even more concerning is that Borden's Field, home to JV baseball, both JV and varsity lacrosse, and both varsity and JV football (practice), is receiving no upgrades at all.

The athletes at WCSD train with heart, hustle, and hope, but they're playing on muddy, unsafe, and often unusable surfaces. As one student athlete put it, “No one wants to come play at our school. We’re the least favorite host because of how bad the conditions are.” 

The playing environment doesn’t just harm performance, it damages school spirit, limits recruitment, and discourages community involvement. Meanwhile, neighboring schools offer their athletes turf fields, accessible bleachers, modern press boxes, and enthusiastic crowds. Their athletes practice more, stay healthier, and get noticed. Washingtonville’s athletes deserve the same.

Coach Bruscino, Washingtonville’s Varsity Baseball Coach, captured it best. “When your fields and your facilities represent that pride and they can actually see that within, you know, what's available for the players to play at... When the young players come, we have a Little League Day where they can come here and see the field, they're gonna say, ‘Hey, that's something I'm gonna get to play on one day.’ They're gonna see it and say, ‘That’s a place I want to go to and play when I get older.’”

Varsity Lacrosse Practice Field

What’s needed is balance. From JV to varsity, from football to lacrosse, every program deserves a fair investment. While new turf and pool upgrades are exciting and necessary, other facilities, especially Borden’s Field, shouldn’t be overlooked simply because they’re not the most visible. Improved facilities do more than enhance games. They encourage school pride, community connection, and lifelong memories. They give younger athletes something to aspire to and alumni a reason to keep cheering.

It’s time Washingtonville shows every athlete they matter. Let’s invest in all our fields. Let’s build a sports program that reflects the excellence of our students, and the pride of our town.