PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Student-athletes and coaches at Olney High School say their athletic fields are in deplorable conditions, and they want the school board to step in.
Football and baseball fields full of holes, no drinking water for athletes, and nowhere for them to go to the bathroom: those were some of the conditions students and staff at Olney High described to the school board Thursday night.
Former softball coach Nina Abrams said the softball field has temporary bleachers that players share with fans. “The fieldhouse, which I now hear has been officially closed, was where there was a toilet,” she said. “Not working.”
She also described the holes and other hidden dangers on the field. “A large metal grate in the outfield. Imagine players trying to track a fly ball, not looking, wearing spikes. It’s an accident waiting to happen.”
Head football coach Brandon Holub said his players had no access to locker rooms.
“Our players and the players of our opponents have nowhere to change or get dressed for competition, or to shield them from the environment if it rains,” Holub told the board.
“Our students have nowhere to go to the bathroom. We have students urinating all over the complex. You may ask why the students don’t go inside to use the bathroom. There’s rarely staff or security available to open locked doors after school hours.”
Principal Michael Roth said the district did meet with him last fall to discuss a plan to bring the athletic complex up to par, which would cost $19 million over three years.
“I do know that $19 million is a big sum of money,” said Roth, “but I think we’re committed to continuing to advocate for this as a school community.”
However, that money currently isn’t budgeted. For now, the district plans to spend $340,000 for site improvements at Olney next year.