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By Alexis Broderick – Social Media Editor-in-Chief & Hanna Broderick – Editorial Editor 

The soon-to-be-completed Jonathan Law turf field project is a complete renovation of the sports complex that will include permanent turf fields for baseball, softball, soccer, lacrosse, and football at Jonathan Law High School.  

The project will also include upgrades to the practice facilities (batting cages, bullpens) and will include upgraded electrical, storage, bleachers and landscaping.

“In addition to baseball and softball, the field will be lined for soccer, lacrosse and football,” Law Athletic Director Mr. Sarullo said. “Also, we anticipate that all of our teams will be able to use the complex when needed for practices, conditioning, etc. and that our PE classes will use the field as well.”

Last winter, the City of Milford and Milford Public Schools worked together to develop a plan to improve the athletic facilities in the city. 

As part of this plan, the baseball and softball fields were included in the project. Many groups worked together to determine what the new complex would look like. The committee wanted to ensure that they would include soccer, lacrosse and football lines to broaden who would be able to utilize the new field.

The goal for the turf field project was for it to be completed before winter break. The recent snow storm has delayed that, but the hope is that the project will be completely finished in January.

Sarullo said that once the project is completed, Law will have the best facility in the state.

“One of the things that we always strive for is to provide our student-athletes with the best facilities to play sports anywhere in the state,” Sarullo said. “We believe that this complex will absolutely be the best field in Connecticut and we are really excited to see our student-athletes playing on them soon.”

While playing on turf is different than playing on grass and dirt, there are several advantages.  

The biggest advantage for teams will be that they will rarely have games canceled due to the weather.  With the turf, it could stop raining just before the first pitch and the game could still be played.  Likewise, for lacrosse and soccer, Law can play in any weather conditions which was not possible on the grass surface.

“At first I was a little sad that we would be losing the dirt and the fun diving drills that went along with it,” Law softball coach Mrs. Blude said. “But there are so many positives that will come along with the turf.  We will never have to worry about puddles and  waiting for the field to dry out.  Also, we will look sharp after pregame warm-ups with Coach Mills. Usually we begin inning one with our infielders shaking dirt off their uniform.”

This new updated turf field will affect many different sports at Law – and can be used as an advantage. 

“I think there is a slight advantage to having turf,” Blude said. “The ball does play slightly different off of it.  I know it was always difficult to adjust at Daniel Hand (High School).  Many of our girls that play travel ball have played on turf so it should be something they adjust to quickly.”

Law senior baseball player James Marino can’t wait to play on the new field.

“I think it looks amazing – even too good, like a video game” Marino said. “I’ve very excited to play on it this season.”