Crookston and East Grand Forks are fierce rivals on and off the athletic playing fields. There have been many great games played between these 2 schools. Both have had their share of great wins and heartbreaking losses. But with this great rivalry, friendships have been made. I have many people that live in Crookston that I can call friends. Even though I live in East Grand Forks, I support the school in building the new facility and track that will be voted on February 14, 2023.
This facility will help improve those athletics in numerous ways. One, it will increase participants. The turf facility in EGF has caused our football, soccer, and track numbers to skyrocket. This is good for the school and community. The more students are involved in extra-curricular activities, the better student and people they become. Two, the facility will be on school grounds. Having the field at the school will increase attendance, thus bringing in more revenue. Three, the school can rent out the facility to other schools as EGF does.
The field is also a classroom when the weather cooperates. Physical Education classes will be able to use the field and track for many units that are taught. Science classes and use the facility. I am a science teacher and use the facility in EGF for experiments in my physics class to show velocity, distance, and acceleration. There are other classes that could use the facility as well.
Lastly, the grass field at UMC is a mess. My son played against the Pirates this last fall. It was a great game that showcased many athletes from both teams. The first thing my son told me after the game was, “The field is terrible. It has many holes in it.” A turf facility will not allow a field to deteriorate like a grass field. The track is also in the same shape. Crookston cannot host a track meet for this reason. Events at this facility will bring in athletes and spectators to spend money in Crookston. This is good. Please vote yes on February 14.
Todd Schumacher
Science and Driver Education Teacher
East Grand Forks Senior High School
