Construction on new YHS stadium almost complete

SUBMITTED BY EARLENE WARD
for the Sierra Star

EARLENE WARD
Additional bleachers have been added at the Yosemite High football stadium, bringing the capacity to 4,200 on the home side. In the background, a new concession stand and press box are under construction.

The newly renovated Yosemite High School football stadium will be ready for graduation ceremonies Wednesday, June 9. “The stadium will be inaugurated with the commencement of the Class of 2004,” said Principal Steve Raupp. Sod was laid on the field Tuesday and Wednesday, May 18 and 19, and work is underway to lay asphalt around the track and on the areas surrounding the field. The track will be covered with a rubber all weather surface this summer. Additional bleachers have been added on the home side of the field, giving that side of the stadium a capacity of 4,200. Bleachers to accommodate 1,000 will be put on the visitors’ side. New lights will not be installed prior to graduation; so, a back up plan is in place for temporary lighting. Fencing will also be added before June 9. A concession stand and press box are under construction behind the home bleachers. The stadium and track renovation are part of the overall construction project at YHS that started in 1999. District Superintendent Bill McCabe says within 18 months 95 percent of the construction projects will be completed on the campus. Raupp said the renovated stadium will “be the best stadium in the Sequoia Division. And we think our kids deserve the best.”

YHS Head Varsity Football Coach Aaron Eames is also excited about the renovated stadium. “I am really excited for our kids to get to play on such a fine facility,” he said. “The kids have worked really hard the last 10 years to have a high quality program, now the facility will match our quality.” The Badgers were Division champions in 2003 and CIF champions in 2002. They made it to the semi finals the last four years. Other projects under construction at YHS are the renovation of a former classroom building into a performing arts center; a swimming pool complex; 23 classroom building; riding arena and additional parking near the performing arts center.

The construction projects are funded through a local bond passed in 1998, the state school construction bond, state matching funds, private donations and grants.

The school received a $100,000 grant from the California Integrated Waste Management Board for the all weather surface on the track.

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