Artificial Turf Enhances Speed At Florida International University Stadium

Courtesy of the Star-Banner
Written by Eric Barnes
December 3, 2005

MIAMI - Expect a fast track. That's what the Trinity Catholic players and coaches are saying about today's Class 2B state football championship game. The Celtics take on the Pahokee Blue Devils at Florida International University Stadium, which has a field with an artificial playing surface.

While the field claims to be a "grass-like playing surface," AstroPlay®, as it's called, will still likely add some speed to the game as players are able to change direction quicker than on natural grass.

Pahokee is known for being one of the faster teams in the state, but the prospect of facing the Devils on a quicker field doesn't intimidate teh unbeaten Celtics.

"We've got a lot of speed too, "TCHS wide receiver Patrick Nelson said. "We should match up prety well (with Pahokee). We've played a lot of good teams. We should be all right."

The Celtics practiced on an artificial surface Wednesday at the University of Florida and the players came away with a favorable impression, except for a few abrasions from sliding on the turf. Nose guard Rick Cherry left UF with a carpet burn on his left leg.

Coach Kerwin Bell said his team needs to be wary of Pahokee's quickness.

"As far as pure depth and having a lot of players who can really run, they're probably right up there at the top," Bell said of the Blue Devils. "It's going to be a battle. They can be explosive on any play. We have to stay away from giving them the easy touchdowns and make them earn it, and if we do that, we'll be OK."

For Nelson, he enjoys playing on the artificial surface. Before his family moved to Ocala, Nelson, a starting wide receiver for the Celtics, played on AstroTurf® at a high school in Texas.

"I like it," said the 6-3 Nelson. "You can get a lot of traction."