Cypress High recently celebrated the beginning of a project that has been on the to-do list for more than 20 years. Now in its 50th year of existence, Cypress High is going to get an upgraded athletic facility on its campus. While the wheels of progress have been slowed up until this point, the ceremonial ground-breaking on Nov. 13 was almost like a track and field starter’s pistol.
Now that construction crews are beginning the project, excited students, faculty and school district representatives are hoping for a quick turnaround that will see the field ready for use by the start of the next school year. The upgraded facility will include an all-weather track, a turf field for sports like football, soccer and lacrosse.
It will also have spectator seating and lights. The facility will allow for more athletic events to be played on campus, potentially including some varsity football games. A new Junior Varsity softball field will also be added adjacent to the track.
“These new facilities will be a beacon that lights the way for our students, guiding them not just around a track, but towards the realization that they’re hard work has a place to shine,” Cypress Principal Jennifer L. Brown said during the ceremony.
Anaheim Union High School Superintendent Michael Matsuda was on hand for the event and said that improving the facility for the students is an important step in showing that the school and district supports them and that the community believes in them. Now that the project is starting, he also noted that they want to stay on target and not let delays slow the process.
“We’re not done yet, the pressure is on, let’s make sure that things are on time,” Matsuda said. “I’m really proud of the entire team, I think the Cypress Community deserves the best and our board is intent on delivering that.”
Anaheim Union High School District Athletic Director and former Cypress High basketball coach Jeff Russell emceed the event. Afterwards he said there has been a lot of excitement around the Cypress High campus as the start of the project approached.
“It’s been a long time coming,” District Athletic Director Jeff Russell said. “to see people investing in the students and investing in what’s going on, is really exciting,” Russell said.
Russell also spoke about the impact that school sports can have on a school.
“Athletics, in general, is good for attendance, it’s good for kids and their academic progress, I mean it’s always a good thing for students,” Russell said.