New track and field open

The new field by the gym containing an 80 yard football/soccer field with artificial turf, PT test approved rubberized track, and a PT testing sit-up pad is now open for use.

The old field with its uneven playing surface due to multiple games per night as well as many gopher holes, posed a safety hazard, said Rob Ewers, the sports and fitness director, 27th Special Operations Force Support Squadron.

These hazards were alleviated in the new field with artificial turf, he said.

“We no longer have soil compaction and erosion issues,” said Ewers. “We can play multiple activities year-round.”

Airman 1st Class Donovan Gaddis, material manager apprentice, 27th Special Operations Logistics Readiness Squadron, enjoys playing flag football on the new track, he said.

“I love the new field, even though I only played twice on it,” Gaddis said. “Just having the feeling that you’re safe and don’t have to worry about spraining your ankle is awesome.”

The old field shared space with a baseball diamond which turned it into a “dust bowl", said Chief Master Sgt. Theodore Millard, chief enlisted manager, 27th Special Operations Logistics Readiness Squadron.

“The new field should prevent some injuries because of how soft it is,” said Chief Master Sgt. Milliard. “When you fall, you land on a nice cushy surface instead of that hard, dust-bowl, rock-clay stuff.”

Gaddis wishes he could have played on the new field more, he said. There is a visible difference between the two.

“There aren’t any problems with the new field,” said Gaddis. “It’s perfect.”