The Atlantic School Board, Wednesday evening, heard discouraging news with regard to the anticipated first home game in the new Trojan Bowl on Friday, Sept. 18th, against Clarinda. FRK Architect Principal Tom Wollan and Athletic Facilities construction liaison Bob Sweeney both shared bad news that cast the game in doubt.

Wollan said the ability of the contractors to finish the field is “Touch and Go” right now. Wollan says while there is some positive activity on the site, and Midwest Field Turf from Denison has “Done a heroic job of getting down and getting work on the field started just as soon as they possibly could,” but the key issue is  all the field graphics must be installed before the rubber and sand infield can be laid.

The bleachers, concession stands, scoreboards and other elements he said, are close to being done. Critical concrete and asphalt work are also being accomplished as quickly as possible, given the current wet conditions. He said “There will be parts of the stadium that aren’t quite finished (Fencing, concrete work, etc.), but we are anticipating that the stadium would be ready for your spectators and kids on the field.”

Bob Sweeney was less optimistic the field would be ready by Sept. 18th. He told the Board “it goes without saying, the construction schedule is tight.” He said Midwest Turf had 15 people here last Saturday working 10-to 11 hours, “So if we don’t make it to the finish line, it’s [not the fault] of the sub-contractor from Denison.” Sweeney said the company showed up on Sept. 1st and had 14 days to the district’s cut-off for project completion. “They have never put in a football field in 10 or 11 days. It has not been done.”

He said they lost valuable work time Tuesday and Wednesday (today), due to the rain. “They’re just up against it,” Sweeney said. He said the inside fence will be installed but the outside fence may be unfinished by the 18th. There are other items yet to be completed, including the sound system. Sweeney choked up as he said “I’m disappointed tonight, personally. I think Sept. 18th is probably too high of a goal. We gotta get this project right.” The bottom line reality, he said, is “The owner [The District] has got to have a back-up game plan.” The decision, Sweeney said, can’t be made at the last minute.

If the project cannot be finished in-time for the game to be played on Sept. 18th, Superintendent Steve Barber said the District will look at contacting other Hawkeye 10 schools to see if the game can be played elsewhere. Clarinda is out of the question, since they too, are having work done on their field turf. Another option would be to play on a Saturday night if just a little more time is needed.