Nantucket High School Student Athlete Urges A Yes Vote On Article 12
Madden Myers •
To the editor: My name is Madden Myers and I am a three-sport athlete at Nantucket High School. From the minute I heard the initial renovation plan involving an asphalt track and grass field, I have been invested in this athletic facility renovation journey. I have sat through countless meetings and became increasingly frustrated with the evidence being presented. Our community needs to be cautious not to consume propaganda that is sourced externally and doesn't cater to Nantucket's unique environment. If there is anything I have learned in school it is that sourcing information without correct control factors is crucial to ensure accuracy, credibility, and relevance. Consequently, it is disheartening when the perspectives, experiences, and concerns of student-athletes are dismissed based on age because the most accurate data about what is best for our community (turf or grass) comes from athletes who utilize these facilities daily.
As a soccer goalie, I have taken my fair share of beatings not by my opponents, but by the field. In my freshman year, we practiced and played on the NES grass fields. I suffered from numerous injuries directly related to inadequate conditions. The past two years the girls’ soccer team has practiced and played on the turf fields in Nobadeer. I haven't been injured on the field since. The sad reality is injury as a result of poor field is not unique to me; it is a shared challenge that affects the entire athletic community.
Earlier this year, it took only one day to get over 300 student signatures in support for installation of a turf field. The student body isn't involved in the situation because we are entitled and “want” nicer fields. We are fighting because our current field conditions put the physical and mental health of all athletes at risk. There have been numerous documented injuries directly linked to the substandard condition of the playing surface.
Our field conditions are primarily shaped by the unique constraints of living on an island, which is why we need to stop comparing injury by turf to injury by pristine grass fields. The fact our entire community has to cram all practices and games into three playing field facilities (Delta, Nobadeer, and High School) puts a lot of pressure on those playing surfaces. It’s near impossible for grass fields to host such lengthy practice hours, and as a result our fields are inadequate. Our facility presents significant safety hazards across varying weather conditions, ranging from dangerously slick surfaces during rain to hardened, frozen ground in winter. Furthermore, the abundance of holes and divots poses an unacceptable risk of injury to the athletes. Beyond the physical pain, these preventable incidents are often followed by deterioration of mental health. The feeling of isolation and the concern of falling behind one’s peers can be overwhelming. It is a significant emotional challenge to watch your peers compete while you are unable to contribute.
It is important to note the field conditions are no fault of the maintenance. They do everything they can to keep the grass healthy in fact, they spend a lot of time and money to do so. The natural grass surface has undergone multiple previous smaller-scale renovations, however these efforts have consistently proven to be temporary and ineffective, failing to provide a long-term, sustainable, and safe playing environment.
Installation of a turf field would help keep athletes safe. It would ensure the playing surface is permanently flat and even. Players could say goodbye to slippery, muddy practices; they would no longer have to worry about the dust storms. Not only that, but turf can’t freeze over, so if installed correctly, the landing surface would be softer.
While concerns regarding chemical exposure of PFAS have been raised, modern synthetic turf options are now engineered to be PFAS-non detect. Our current installation at Nobadeer undergoes annual testing, consistently validating its safety. Data from outdated offisland fields composed of high PFAS materials is irrelevant due to the fact it does not reflect our local standards; our community remains committed to utilizing only the most technologically advanced, non-toxic materials. The elected and trusted School Committee has already pledged to put extensive research into the project to ensure the turf that is to be installed will be harmless.
In your vote keep in mind that sports are a huge part of the Nantucket community, with over 70 percent of students participating in sports. They teach discipline, teamwork, and how to handle both victory and defeat. They keep student athletes focused and out of trouble. Everywhere you go, you’re sure to see a Whaler W, a small symbol of how deeply ingrained athletics are in Nantucket's culture. High school athletics are enjoyed by family, friends, students, alumni, teachers, general community members, and future athletes for years to come. Our sports teams create a source of local pride, and offer numerous forms of entertainment. Their attraction of such diverse audiences fosters social cohesion, unifying the power of shared local identity. Nobody wants to watch kids getting hurt, or teams who perform bad because they are missing important players. The installation of turf fields will allow for high school sports to continue to benefit the community while keeping athletes safe and happy.
Please vote YES on article 12!
Madden Myers