Clearing Garcelon’s FieldTurf surface is “a sign of spring and a sign of spring sports,” says Tim Kivus of Facilities Services.
On this mid-January day, Kivus is driving a red Chevrolet plow truck, which will travel “16 miles forward and 16 miles backward” during its plowing operations, says Kivus.
Plowing Garcelon is a three-person project. Fellow grounds crew member Mike Adams operates a Bobcat skid-steer loader while Adam Wright handles a John Deere wheel loader.
Though official varsity practices won’t start until Feb. 15, athletes of all persuasions will take to Garcelon as soon as it’s clear.
“There’s excitement any time Garcelon is visible,” says lacrosse player Andrew Small ’19 of Deerfield, Ill.
“The Bates grounds crew is fabulous,” says head lacrosse coach Peter Lasagna. “They work hard to give students the best opportunities to reach their athletic potential.”
