×
×
homepage logo

Rain helps field make turn for the better

By Shawn Linenberger - | Aug 21, 2002

Beatty Field has now gotten substantial aid from two water sources.

Suburban Water, Basehor, brought in water two weeks ago, distributing 24,000 gallons to the struggling turf. Last week, Mother Nature supplied rain as temperatures became milder.

“I think the rain has really helped us a great deal,” said Tonganoxie superintendent Richard Erickson.

Last month, the field was reeling from the extremely dry summer and the city enforced outdoor watering ban.

Ryegrass was planted in mid-July, but the lack of water left the field in bad shape. Costs to bring water didn’t seem feasible for the district, either, but Ray Breuer of Suburban Water donated water for the field. The school’s only expense came from transportation, which amounted to about $1,000 for four trips. The tanker held 6,000 gallons.

“I was just thankful they were willing to donate it,” Erickson said. “They’ve been wonderful supporters and we thank them for what they’ve done.”

Ray’s grandson, Andrew Breuer, is an assistant on the Tonganoxie High School football coaching staff and is also employed with the family water business.

As for the field, more watering is unlikely. Cooler evenings and another shower or two would be the field’s best friends now.

THS coach Mark Elston said the water has been a major help. The precipitation has been especially welcomed on the team’s practice field just west of the complex. After the season’s first football practices Monday, Elston said the surface, although a little muddy, was much better than it was earlier this summer.

“It was so much softer and actually green,” Elston said.

At this point, the team will hope for more rain as the traditionally hot August turns into September.

Tonganoxie opens the season Sept. 6 against Wamego in Tonganoxie.

Elston said the field would be fine, under one condition.

“As long as we don’t go another three weeks without rain before our first game,” Elston said.