Homestead High School and the Booster Club have recently commenced a new fundraising campaign called Highlander Strong which will bring new upgrades to the athletic facilities next spring.

“The project is broken down into phases and will be completed when funds are raised,” Mrs. Jennifer Zoeller, Booster Club president, said. The cost for the upgrades will ultimately be $4.5 million.

The upgrades in phase one include a new entry gateway, new concessions and bathrooms, a new stadium turf field and resurfaced track, regraded and irrigated soccer fields and enlarged seating for the tennis match courts.

Phase two includes new bleachers and a new press box for the stadium, a turf infield for the baseball field, and a new ticketing building. In the future, the Booster Club and Homestead administration hopes to add a turf soccer field and new lighting for baseball fields, softball fields and tennis courts.

“Updating Homestead’s facilities will benefit students, coaches, fans and community members. These enhancements support many of the 26 varsity athletic programs here at Homestead,” Mrs. Zoeller, said. The new turf field will benefit much more than just the football team. It will also be used by the future lacrosse teams, the soccer team in foul weather, the dance team, band, physical education classes and youth recreational programs such as Cardinal Football.

Students at Homestead are thrilled to see what the new upgrades have to offer. “I’m excited to have a better soccer field because right now the field is really rugged and causes a lot of injuries,” Jordan Ellerbrock, junior and Homestead varsity soccer player, said.

“I think the new facilities will help raise the level of athletics at Homestead,” Nick Allen, senior and varsity football player, said.

Next spring, Homestead will be in a better position to host tournaments and other events as well as provide a superior viewing experience for spectators.