Roland-Story’s Renovated Football Stadium

By Caty E.

The Roland-Story football team faced off against Kuemper-Catholic Friday, September 15th, but this game wasn’t like the others. After months of anticipation, Kerry Van Winkle Field is finally completed. It is named to honor Roland-Story's longtime football coach.

The new football stadium has many new upgrades, such as spacious seating, new concession areas, larger bathrooms, and lots of other amazing improvements.The high school athletes are all very excited about the new area, whether they are enjoying the game from the bleachers, running the sound board, or playing out on the field. 

First, walking up to the stadium there is a new ticket booth and entrance gate. The new visuals—including the large sails and lit up areas—show a sense of school pride and heritage. The aesthetic of the new stadium is branded to the school’s mascot, the Norsemen. The community appreciates the addition of a few hundred bleacher seats as well. When asked about his view on the new field, assistant football coach Ryan Gelber said, “It is a wonderful addition to our community and a positive step in the betterment of our school district.”

Secondly, there were many improvements for athletes, one of which being that the football team gets to play on a new and improved grass surface. Another big change is the long jump pit being moved north of the end zone. This is a much safer option instead of having it sit where the visiting team is standing during football games. On the topic of the long jump pit, track and field athletes will also enjoy a newly poured and painted track to use in the spring. Another addition, the Roland-Story Marching Band members now sit on the south end of the field, rather than sitting in the bleachers with the rest of the crowd. 

The Roland-Story community is very excited about this new addition. Along with the sails there is another visual aspect of the new stadium in planning. There is currently fundraising to add a Norseman mascot statue in the future, something that will represent the district well.

Location: Story City, IA 50248, USA

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