Mineola High School christens new turf field at homecoming

Mineola High School’s varsity football players did more than just take the field for its homecoming game on Saturday.

They helped break it in.

School staffers, members of the district’s administration and the Mineola Board of Education were on hand for a ribbon-cutting event before the team’s game against Island Trees on Saturday. With board president Christine Napolitano snipping a red ribbon roped across the entrance gate and reigning homecoming Queen Diana Araujo by her side, the newly renovated Hampton Stadium was officially opened to the public.

“We’ve undergone an aggressive plan to update facilities in the district,” explained Napolitano, adding that the previous natural grass field at the stadium “required a lot of maintenance.”

Unlike most Long Island high schools that host their football games on their campus grounds, Hampton Stadium is located two miles east from the high school, adjacent to the grounds of Hampton Street School, an elementary school.

“We’re all used to making the trip for games,” explained Mineola High School principal Whittney Smith, “but the new field also includes a new team facility, where the players can change and get ready.”

Another feature of the upgraded athletic center is a bright red turf-covered track. Napolitano explained that the new track won’t be used by the track team — it’s a walking track that the community will be able to use.

SEE PHOTOSPhotos: High school homecomings across LI

But does it pass the test for the students who will use it?

The football team was occupied throughout the homecoming festivities, but Mineola High School cheerleader Emily Jones — spotted performing warm-up stunts before game time — definitely approved.

“It’s much easier to use than regular grass and hard ground… it’s got some good bounce,” she said.