Football field at Poland High gets $650K turf

By Greg Gulas

Thanks to the Bulldog Turf Club, Poland will play on the newly-installed FieldTurf.

POLAND – The Poland Bulldogs were 7-3 in football last season, making it to the Division III play-offs in Mark Brungard’s third season as coach.

Courtesy of the Bulldog Turf Club, the teams will prepare for next season on the newly installed FieldTurf; a synthetic surface that is considered the finest in the industry.

During groundbreaking ceremonies Monday at the football field, the $650,000 turf project marked the first of two phases that will eventually lead to stadium improvements with increased seating, upgraded concession areas and an upgrade to its rest room facilities.

“This is a long time in coming and I am really excited about the entire project. Since the field opened in the 1970’s, other than adding a track and lights we haven’t really done much in the way of improvements,” athletic director Myron Stallsmith said.

Bob Richards, chairman of the turf project, noted that FieldTurf has been installed in over 2,500 locations around the world, including 21 NFL stadiums and numerous Division I colleges, the University of Akron.

It was through the generosity of the Anthony Lariccia Family, however, that kick-started the campaign.

“This project was over two years in the making and was the brainchild of Ed Muransky. Of the 18 members that comprised the committee, 12 are Poland High School graduates, but it was the through the generosity of many that helped make this a reality,” Richards said.

“Anthony Lariccia came forward right at the start and pledged $100,000 with one stipulation; that the field be named after longtime coach Dave Pavlansky; an idea that was embraced by the school board,” he added.

Bernie Pavlansky, wife of the late coach, was on hand to scoop one of the first shovels of dirt at the groundbreaking ceremonies.

“This is truly an exciting time for everyone. My children are older now but the grandchildren realize how special this is for the entire Pavlansky family. If Dave were here right now, he would be absolutely humbled.”

Muransky, president of Muransky Companies, said the turf was a necessity.

“When I moved back to the area six years ago, I noticed that the band practiced on the parking lot and the junior varsity played at the middle school because the field couldn’t take the pounding.

“Everyone has come to realize that with the installation of the turf, you’ll go from 30 events or so at the field to over 200 a year at the complex,” Muransky said.

Brungard, along with his upcoming football seniors, were at the ceremony.

“This is a great thing of which our community can be most proud. Everyone benefits, not just the football team and as a physical education teacher, I cannot wait to get my classes outdoors to take part in activities on the field,” Brungard said.

Over $400,000 in money and pledges have already been collected, and those wishing to donate can still do so by e-mailing bulldogturfclub@yahoo.com.