Wreckers Switch Home Matches To Wakeman Turf
For 6 decades beginning in 1959*, Loeffler Field served Staples soccer well. With a perfect viewing angle, a spectacular backdrop of fall foliage, and well-tended grass, it was the premier pitch in the FCIAC.
In recent years however, the field has shown its age. Hemmed in by a baseball diamond, fence, field hockey field and The Hill, it cannot be moved or “rotated” to save wear and tear, as many grass fields can. The rise of the powerhouse girls soccer program brought more use.
Although Staples soccer paid for extra maintenance by field management companies, the grass became bumpier, and the soil more compacted. This summer, for the first time ever, a 2-day lacrosse tournament was held at Loeffler Field.
Over the past few seasons, the Wreckers moved key matches to the Wakeman turf at nearby Bedford Middle School — particularly late in the season, when bad weather made Loeffler Field wet.
Today, head coach Russell Oost-Lievense announced that Staples’ remaining home matches will all be played at Wakeman. After 63 years, Staples soccer has a new slogan. “See you on The Hill!” will now become “See you in the stands!”
QUICK KICKS: Every FCIAC soccer team plays on turf, except Fairfield Warde. Like Staples, the Mustangs have seen their once-pristine grass field deteriorate. They split their matches between grass and their football stadium.
*Though Staples soccer was founded in 1958, the field was not ready the first year. The Wreckers played home matches that season at Doubleday Field (now called PJ Romano Field), between the old Staples High School (now Saugatuck Elementary School) and Bedford Junior High (now Kings Highway Elementary).
Loeffler Field, in 2016.
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