509-J breaks ground on soccer complex
Students, faculty and school board members gathered at the Madras High soccer fields Wednesday, March 15 to break ground on the first large capital project of the 2021 Jefferson County School District 509-J bond.
The groundbreaking was held for the MHS soccer facility. The project includes construction of locker rooms, restrooms, coaches' offices, and a concession area as well as new field lighting.
Many MHS soccer students attended the groundbreaking and were excited to see the project begin.
"This is a big step in appreciating and giving the soccer program and all student athletes the respect they deserve," said Yael Carlon, an MHS soccer player and student representative to the school board.
The MHS men's soccer team had a big season last year, winning the Tri-Valley Conference championship to finish out their season. "We've all been playing so hard, and I hope this can push us even further."
The soccer field currently has no facilities, or seating for spectators.
"The goal is the field will be more durable in the future, and stay in good condition for a longer period of time. We hope the new, bigger field will help us showcase our athletic players," said boys varsity soccer coach Clark Jones in the bond proposal. "Field lights will allow us to showcase our varsity games, and give more parents the opportunity to see their athletes play. The lights will also free up our scheduling and allow us more flexibility in scheduling late season and playoff games. We hope to be able to draw a larger number of fans to our games."
The project is set for completion in fall 2023, ahead of the next soccer season. It's funded by the $24 million bond passed in November 2021, and marks the first of the large-scale projects the bond funded to be started.
"This is an incredibly exciting day in our district," said Jay Mathisen, 509-J superintendent. "When this project is completed, it will bring the community together to see our students flourish on the field."