Local athletic directors tackle challenges during intense football season
Poland Athletic Directors Master the Art of High School Football Planning
Friday Night Football: A Community Tradition at Poland Seminary High School
The excitement in Poland, Ohio, reached unparalleled heights last Friday night as the Poland Bulldogs squared off against league rival South Range. As kickoff approached at 7 p.m., the atmosphere at Dave Pavlansky Field crackled with anticipation, drawing attention from fans across the Mahoning Valley. Athletic Director Brian Banfield, who plays a pivotal role in orchestrating the event, expressed his relief as the game commenced; a culmination of extensive planning and coordination.
The Strategic Preparation Behind a Successful Game Night
For Banfield, the preparation for a Friday night football game begins five days prior. He meticulously organizes each detail, from communicating with the opposing team to ensuring all gameday workers are prepared.
- Sunday morning: Initial communications with the opposing school and officials.
- Detail-oriented scheduling, covering every aspect from visitor parking to pregame festivities.
This past week’s preparation included a precise timeline of events leading up to the game, such as:
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| 5:30 p.m. | Welcoming game officials |
| 6:40 p.m. | Homecoming ceremony |
| 6:58 p.m. | National Anthem |
| 7:00 p.m. | Kickoff |
Behind the Scenes: The Roles of Gameday Workers and Volunteers
Banfield oversees around 35 to 40 paid gameday workers, including critical roles such as clock operators, security personnel, and public address announcers. Additionally, dedicated booster club volunteers contribute by managing concession stands and selling programs, ensuring a seamless experience for attendees.
To maintain the stadium’s pristine condition, Banfield conducts routine tasks throughout the week, such as turf grooming and bleacher cleaning. Moreover, he monitors weather conditions closely, proving to be a crucial aspect of the logistics, particularly in a region known for unpredictable weather.
Lessons Learned from Past Challenges in Athletic Administration
Banfield reflects on previous hurdles faced during his tenure, such as an incident where a helium balloon release caused a power outage, leading to the game being prematurely called. He emphasizes the importance of preparedness and adaptability in high school athletics.
Similar sentiments were expressed by fellow athletic director Chuck Schiffhauer, who recalls coping with the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. According to Schiffhauer, the experience taught athletic directors how to navigate unexpected changes effectively.
The Community Spirit: Athletic Directors Collaborate for Success
Schiffhauer and Banfield both acknowledge the sense of relief felt once kickoff occurs. It highlights the commitment to player safety and a smooth event for the community. Continuous communication among staff ensures that all tasks are completed efficiently.
With each home game presenting new challenges and special events like homecoming and alumni nights, preparation is ongoing. First-year director Stephen Rohan at Mineral Ridge emphasized the team effort that goes into planning, exemplifying the camaraderie among athletic directors in the area.
After five straight home games, Rohan relished the opportunity to support fellow teams and take in the atmosphere from a more relaxed perspective at a recent road game.
Conclusion: The Heartbeat of High School Football in Poland
The vibrant Friday night football culture at Poland Seminary High School reflects the heart of the community. With diligent athletic directors leading the way, fans can expect memorable experiences that go beyond the scoreboard, creating lasting bonds among players, families, and friends in the Mahoning Valley.
