S P O RT S
BY: JOSH HELMER
Diamond Upgrades
High School Baseball and Softball Infields Improved
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ainouts and makeup games will mostly be a thing of the past, beginning this spring. Norman Public Schools partnered with Hellas Sports Construction to install four state-of-the art infield turfs at Norman High and Norman North for the district’s baseball and softball programs. In addition to countering Oklahoma’s unpredictable weather, the hope is that these upgraded facilities would encourage greater participation from student athletes and enhance the spectator experience. “We wanted to get out in front and be on the leading edge in regards to something that gets people’s attention. It’s a win-win for all and a better overall product,” T.D. O’Hara said, NPS district athletic director. Hellas installed its Major Play turf, which is designed to simulate the nat-
46 | March 2020
ural bounce and roll of a ball like on a natural grass infield. “It’s our top of the line fiber. We do a lot of neat things with it by changing the pile heights, the tallness of the blade, depending on what area of the field we’re simulating,” David Fisher, Hellas’ Oklahoma business development manager, said. “For instance, if we’re simulating a clay area, we shorten the pile height to make the ball move quicker. If we’re in a grassy area, we raise the height to help the ball slow like on natural grass.” Fisher worked for 27 years as Yukon athletic director, so he understands what NPS athletics will enjoy on turf. “We’re always so excited at Hellas whenever we can bring this type of quality surface to any school district. They’re playing on a collegiate-type surface. I know what it means to parents, stake-
holders and student athletes to be able to upgrade your facilities like this and get onto a consistent surface,” Fisher said. “It’s tough in the fall and the spring sometimes trying to play baseball and softball with the weather we deal with around here. It’s great to be able to know that five minutes after it quits raining and there’s no lightning in the area that you can get on the field and play.” One of the other benefits is less field maintenance. Norman North head baseball coach Brian Aylor said having turf has removed two hours of daily field maintenance. “It’s taken a lot off the responsibility of the coaching staff and the players in regards to the before and after of every day. It’s allowed me to spend more time coaching and working with players instead of having to work on a field,” Aylor said.
