By Jake Wieseneck `14, Commentary Editor

Newark Academy prides itself on being at the forefront of Independent Schools in terms of academics and facilities, and its ability to maintain a vibrant community with a unique and dynamic culture. The recent addition of Jeff Kacur Field and the upcoming plans to redesign and revitalize Coursen Field & Track will create a lasting effect on both the physical structure and distinct culture of the Academy. Beyond the direct benefits to our athletic programs, the intangible impact of these projects on the NA community may be the greatest outcome of the athletic field renovations.

The second phase of Newark Academy’s expansive master plan, the renovation and revitalization of our athletic field facilities showcases the school’s commitment, both financially and philosophically to fostering an athletic program which is at the forefront of its competition at the county, prep, and state levels.

Every project begins by building from the ground up, by creating a solid foundation from which goals can be achieved. These two projects create the foundation from which our Athletics Department, under the direction of newly-appointed athletic director Ted Gilbreath, can reach its potential. Mr. Gilbreath noted that the school’s goal with respect to its athletic facilities is “not (to) be the equal of our peer schools, (but rather) to have facilities that surpass our peers.” At the completion of the project, Gilbreath believes that our athletic complex will rival that of a NCAA Division III college. Mr. Gilbreath’s statements sum up a major objective of all facets of the Master Plan: to create the model of the 21^st Century Independent School, not just to modernize to the same capacity of similar institutions.

Mr. Taylor, Director of Admissions and a former Head Football Coach at the Academy, noted the positive impact of the project on the institution and how it showcases our priorities. “Institutionally, the lights and turf say we value athletics here,” remarked Taylor, and he continued to note that this long term commitment shows the world that we expect our athletic programs to be relevant. Taylor also indicated that the school has a reputation of being a master of “country club sports” such as tennis and golf, but weaker in the traditional high school athletics.  The new facilities should shed this constrictive conception, and attract a new pool of athletic applicants eager to play soccer, football, or lacrosse in state of the art facilities.

The Academy’s community spirit will also be catalyzed. Kacur Field and Coursen Field will surely create more community-wide experiences similar to the football team’s triumph against Hudson Catholic under the (temporary) lights last fall, and the men’s basketball victory over the MKA Cougars last winter. Both nights were filled with passion and school pride, and became highlights of the school year. Mr. Taylor believes that the athletic enhancements will help create a “Friday Night Lights atmosphere”.  He added that athletics can become a “gathering point which will not only benefit N.A.’s athletes, but also the entire community.

The lights will make scheduling more flexible and encourage fan support. Currently, 80% of the Academy’s students are athletes, according to the Athletic Department. Mr. Gilbreath noted that the traditional mid-week, 4 PM sports contests do not generate broad fan support, since at that time, a large majority of the student community is either practicing or competing themselves.  However, the new lights will allow for student-athletes to easily “do what they want and come out to support their friends” at night games.

The Academy’s strong and prevalent Red Army, whose members are present at almost any Minutemen athletic contest, help motivate the student body to support their peers. President, Matt Cowen hopes that the turf fields will indirectly build a larger sense of a community around the school’s athletic squads so that the entirety of the student body can “rally behind our athletes.” Junior Cory Tell, a two sport varsity athlete, commented on the vital impact that fan support can have on competing athletes. Tell commented that “Having massive fan support, like the turnout on Homecoming, helps players more than people could even imagine because it gives us confidence and energy to perform.” Tell clearly stepped up with the help from the Newark Academy community’s spirit on homecoming, with a two goal second half, and led the Minutemen Mens Soccer Squad to a 4-1 victory over Verona.

Strong academics are still the priority of Newark Academy, but a vibrant athletic program can lend itself to motivate and unite the school community. According to Mr. Gilbreath, “in terms of athletics, we don’t want to be Florida State or LSU. We want to be like Amherst or Williams, that are serious about academics but also get kids pumped and gives them an opportunity to go out and support their teams.” The new athletic facilities will surely foster the engagement of our community that is key to creating the environment of spirit and support that Newark Academy prides itself on.