Sweat-soaked, tear-stained, and covered in cleat marks, Etowah’s new turf has weathered the season well. 

“It looks too good; it stays green; the grass doesn’t die, [and] you don’t have to maintain it,” Ken Nix, athletic director, said. 

Many counties in Georgia, including Cherokee, are beginning to make it a requirement to have turf fields at high schools. Although the financial benefits of having turf contributed to the decision to continue using artificial grass, Nix argues that there are several reasons why Etowah has decided to continue investing in synthetic grass instead of natural grass. 

“It’s a lot of maintenance and upkeep on those fields as far as cutting the grass, replenishing the old bad side, [and] maintaining irrigation,” Nix said. 

The football team is not the only group to benefit from the new field. Lacrosse, soccer, track, and marching band also use it. 

“It also offers a good place for your PE classes,” Nix said. 

This is Etowah’s second round of Astro Turf. Etowah first laid down synthetic turf about eight years ago, but it was not as high quality grass. By the beginning of 2018, the seams binding the artificial grass together were breaking, and the paint on the field was fading. 

“It was time to redo it,” Nix said. 

Although Etowah’s football season is now over, other students and staff will reap the benefits of the new turf year-round.