An issue regarding playing fields between Pop Warner and San
Benito High School was quickly resolved last week after parties met
and came to an agreement on the usage of the football field at Andy
Hardin Stadium
HOLLISTER
An issue regarding playing fields between Pop Warner and San Benito High School was quickly resolved last week after parties met and came to an agreement on the usage of the football field at Andy Hardin Stadium.
The Pop Warner Hollister Vikings, which field six youth football teams, will play their five home games at Andy Hardin, and agreed to play any November playoff games on the road.
Vikings public relations director Tom Vivian said the only games that would have been in November were the Mitey Mite Bowl and, at most, one home playoff game.
The last scheduled home game for the Vikings is Oct. 18.
“We were able to get all six teams on the field for five home games,” Vikings athletic director Scott Reynolds said. “We plan on ending our season by Oct. 18, hopefully before it begins to rain.”
During a soccer game last spring, wet field conditions led to safety concerns at halftime by the game’s referee. The game was allowed to be finished, but the following game was not played due to poor field conditions.
School officials were looking to maintain the standards of the field this year, and originally decided to move the Tiny Mite and Mitey Mite football teams to an adjacent field.
In the end, though, the compromise will allow every Pop Warner team to play at Andy Hardin Stadium.
“The district was very happy Pop Warner worked with us on a collaborative solution,” said Debbie Fisher, director of finance and operations at SBHS. “We need to try and get it back up to top shape, and maximize the amount of players on the field.
“We want the kids safe and happy and have as many of them play from every avenue, not just the high school.”
