Charleroi stadium upgrades nearly complete
Renovations at Myron Pottios Stadium include new Field Turf, a new track and LED lighting.
It’s highly doubtful Myron Pottios the man has never had a facelift, but the stadium that bears the Charleroi legend’s name is getting one.
In November, the Charleroi Area School Board approved all work necessary for a new Field Turf playing surface, new track surface with drainage improvements, new jumping pits and new LED lighting.
“We’ve always been proud of our athletic facilities, especially since the stadium was opened in 2011. There were a lot of drainage issues with the track, which is currently undergoing its renovation as we speak,” Charleroi superintendent Dr. Ed Zelich said. “This entire project is promoting student-athlete safety. That was the main goal. We want to make sure we’re maintaining a healthy, safe playing surface.”
Zelich said the former playing surface underwent Head Impact Criteria testing in the spring of last year, which revealed the surface’s life expectancy was beyond where it needed to be.
HIC testing gives a score based on a drop test. A machine is used to drop a metal sphere, shaped like an athlete’s head, with sensors and measuring devices inside that registers a score based on the impact of it hitting the ground. The test is performed over multiple areas of the field.
“If you look at the testing, we knew the time had come,” Zelich said. “I commend our board’s athletic committee for their work. Joe Caruso, Heather Keranko, Charlie Yakich and Toni Pellegrini have been been thorough throughout this whole process with their presentations and being present during the work. They should be commended for the planning of this project.”
The project’s price tag is just over $1.3 million, Charleroi business manager Joe Gudac said.
“The district paid for the entire project through our fund balance,” Gudac said. “There’s no bonds. We didn’t need to borrow any money for the project.”
Zelich commended the board and the athletic committee for their work.
“Joe and the committee have been great leading the board through all the decisions,” Zelich said. “That’s through our taxpayers. The stadium has really become a hub for our community. Not only do our student-athletes use it, but the youth football league and youth soccer league, elementary (gym) teachers walk their classes down there to use it. In the evenings, there are always community members down there walking the track. It’s a great resource.”
Currently the asphalt is laid for the track after drainage improvements, which requires a 28-day cure period.
“We’re expecting the rubber membrane to be laid around Aug. 1,” Zelich said. “The track was built in the 90s, so it was due for replacement. Again, promoting athlete safety, you don’t want anyone hitting a bad spot or a soft spot.”
Along with the track, there will be new runways for the long jump and a new sand pit. A new pole vault tray along with two pads for vaulting standards will be added.
Beynon Sports will be installing the track with Field Turf handling the playing field.
Musco Sports Lighting is handling the installation of the new LED lighting.
“The lighting was important. We were getting to the point that it was going to be a problem to drive a vehicle on the track and field if something needed repaired,” Zelich said. “This new LED lighting will lighten plenty of dark areas like the stands, the field parking level and even the soccer practice field.”
The first step in the renovation actually took place prior to last fall when the scoreboard was replaced.
“This is just another reason to be proud of the things happening here at Charleroi,” Zelich said. “We’re looking at about a week until our student-athletes can get on the new turf and I know they’re excited. We’re committed to providing the safest facility we can for our student-athletes. I commend the board, our business manager and everyone involved in making this happen.”
