By DAVID CLOUSTON

Salina Journal

LINDSBORG -- Bethany College's Anderson Field and Stadium are preparing for a $1.2 million facelift that includes installing a multipurpose, artificial FieldTurf playing surface that will include a full-size soccer field and a new widened running track.

The field will be used by the college and as by Smoky Valley High School and Lindsborg Middle School, and also for summer athletic camps and community recreation programs.

Improvements to the home-side bleachers, concession stand and press box also are planned as part of the project, which could get started as soon as mid- or late May. Organizers hope it is complete by mid-August, in time for the fall football season.

The college and Smoky Valley School District have secured commitments totaling slightly more than $1 million. Additional funds of about $169,000 must be secured by April 1, say organizers.

The college last renovated the field with new grass in about 1995, said former head football coach Ted Kessinger. Twice in the following years, in 1999 and 2003, the college studied installing artificial turf but did not go ahead.

Kessinger now serves as a special consultant to the president of Bethany, Edward Leonard III. Kessinger headed a committee formed in December 2007 that began researching a multipurpose FieldTurf project.

The committee included representation from the community, the school district, the college and Bethany students.

Their findings were that a FieldTurf surface, which incorporates granular rubber from shredded vehicle tires, promises greater safety and fewer risks of injury to players.

"On the turf we have, muddy days bring problems," Kessinger said. Footing is hard for players to maintain, and the field surface gets hard when it dries out. And, multiple games played on the field in a short time wears down the natural turf quickly, he said.

With the artificial turf, "You'll see a faster type field, and weather conditions won't be as much of a factor," Kessinger said.

"I think the plus is, with this project ... there's a close connection working with the public schools and support from the community, as well," he said.

Smoky Valley School Superintendent Glen Suppes said the school district is not just reaping the benefits of what Bethany has chosen to do.

"It obviously had to take both entities involved to do this," he said. "We have had some people step up to the plate. We've had a couple of very good donations."

Organizers, he said, are still trying to approach potential donors to raise the remaining funds.

"We're trying to do everything we can to get the word out. It's going to happen; we just want to make sure it happens in '08 and not have to wait another year," Suppes said.

n Reporter David Clouston can be reached at 822-1403 or by e-mail at dclouston@salina.com.

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