For the past several years, the Panther Varsity and JV games have alternated between the two district’s football facilities. This season was Prophetstown’s turn to host the varsity games.
At last Wednesday’s PLT board meeting, Lensing reported that she received a letter from athletic trainer and chiropractor Dr. Owen McConnell expressing concerns about safety issues with the football field due to previous injuries, field hazards, field conditions, sidelines, and his own professional concern. McConnell has served as an on-site athletic trainer for many of the EP home athletic events, including for both home and away football games. Lensing said that the letter was not the reason for the game site change.
The problem at Mosher Field has existed for many years with various changes made to alleviate the problem, which is limited space between the playing surface and the track.
Lensing reported at the meeting that PLT Athletic Director, Damian DeMay has been working on quotes to put five 6×30 mats on both sidelines to cover the track and allow sideline equipment and players to be farther from field action.
Lensing said in a conversation on Wednesday that the reason for moving the game to Erie on Friday was more of a matter of field conditions. “After talking to our AD, it was decided that the field surface needed more time to rest,” said Lensing. The Panthers home opener against Monmouth-Roseville on August 21st was delayed for two hours by lightning and accompanying heavy rain. The field was left in poor shape following the game. Last Monday the Panther JV squad hosted a game with Mendota and the field again sustained damage.
The decision to move the contest was made by Lensing after corroborating with both district’s athletic directors, PLT board president and Erie Superintendent. She added that the field is constantly being evaluated and that protective mats hope to be in place and the field in playing condition for the Homecoming game on September 18th.
Lensing also stated that since McConnell’s letter was received the day of the board meeting and the board has not had a chance to officially respond to the letter.
Additionally, the Middle School Tailgate hosted by PLTMS and Erie PTO has been moved to the Erie ball fields on Friday from 5:30-6:30 p.m.
