MACOMB TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WXYZ) – The football field at L’Anse Creuse North High School is currently unplayable, according to parents, athletes and coaches.
They say the issues pose a security risk and complaints fall on deaf ears.
Administrators say they have a recovery plan in place, but few believe in their promises.
“This is so bad,” said one student as he picked up loose sod from the field.
Athletes at LCN say their home isn’t an advantage, it’s a disadvantage.
“When you play away, you realize that not every school has these kinds of facilities. No, it’s your school that has the problem,” said Blake Raymond, an LCN athlete.
Raymond says it’s hard to be proud of your team when the track record is faltering.
LCN graduate Tyler Conkiln, now a player with the New York Jets, tweeted that he wanted to hold his annual camp at LCN but was unable to due to the nature of the field.
“It’s in bad shape. It makes everyone feel depressed and we’re losing kids,” said parent Rick Sparks.
Parents primarily say it’s a safety issue. But it also robs kids of moments they can’t get back.
Recently, the girls’ soccer team held their evening graduation ceremony on the field, but the referees reportedly told them that the actual game had to be played somewhere else with a better field.
“These girls who stand on the pitch and accept roses for their football careers to empty the stands. It was bad,” said Angie Bush, a mom who also gives concessions at games.
In a statement, L’Anse Creuse Public Schools said the damage had become a problem this week.
“Following a sporting event on Tuesday night, the L’Anse Creuse – North soccer field suffered damage to several previously repaired areas. We had a company work on these areas last night and they will be back Monday morning to complete the repairs and take care of security.” Problems. Additionally, we have a plan to replace the field and restore its condition so the community can continue to enjoy its use for years to come.”
Mike Zuckero helps coach the varsity soccer team. He says the facilities have been dilapidated for years. He and others made comments at a board meeting in May 2022.
“The turf at LCN poses a safety hazard. I don’t know how old it is, but if you walk on it you could twist your ankle, let alone if they’re playing sports,” Zuckero told the panel.
He says parents and students have spoken out at countless meetings over the years. Worse still, he says, when students leave the district to play another sport, they have to sit out a year before they can participate.
“Let these kids out of sports prison,” Zuckero said.
“No matter how loud we speak, they choose not to respond and they make excuse after excuse. said Zuckero.
Nearly 30 people turned out to speak to 7 Action News on Thursday night. They told us that’s just a fraction of the number of people who plan to call for change at next week’s board meeting.
“That’s what Monday is for: use our voices and get something done,” Raymond said.
The next school board meeting is Monday at 6:30 p.m
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