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On a recent Friday afternoon, another round of drenching rains forced most interscholastic teams to cancel practices. But not varsity girls and boys soccer. The two teams shared space on the new artificial turf field. Coaches Harry Canellakis and Steve Nichols were thrilled to use the venue.

With record-breaking rain totals for September, McDonogh's new turf field has already proved its worth. Games that would have been postponed if played on grass fields have been held as scheduled. At least one away game was moved to the home field because the turf surface is always playable.

"It's been a godsend," said Co-Director of bet356体育投注 Mickey Deegan. "We've been able to stay on schedule despite all the rain."

The McDonogh Girls Soccer Invitational, which has been the victim of September rains in previous years, was held as scheduled--on the turf. The girls soccer team racked up its most impressive win of the season in this tournament, beating the nation's top team. ESPN Rise featured the team and the new field on its website.

The field hockey teams also benefit. "It's been great for the hockey program. They're the ones who use it the most. They love the surface," said Co-Director of bet356体育投注 Matt MacMullan. The ruts and dips of grass fields are a non-issue on turf, which provides an even, cushioned surface.

The field has lifted the collegiality as well as the play of fall teams and their coaches. "It's teaching everybody to be unselfish" and share, added Matt.

Funded by donors to The McDonogh Forever Campaign, the turf field is one of the first 校园 Master Plan projects to be completed. Lighting and other upgrades to the field may be forthcoming if additional donors come forward to support them.

The McDonogh Forever Campaign is a $75 million effort to fund new facilities, including the Naylor Building for science, 技术, 工程, 和数学, 圣. John Student Center, and the Rosenberg 校园 Green.