Field opens with much fanfare

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The Milton Area School District welcomed roughly 2,100 fans to the newly renovated Alumni Stadium on Aug. 26 to cheer on the Black Panther Football Team as they defeated South Williamsport 28-0.

“It is great to have a facility that everyone can be proud of and come enjoy an evening of extracurricular activity performed through our student athletes,” said Athletic Director Mr. Rod Harris.

High School Co-Principal Mr. Andrew Rantz described the night as incredible.

“The stadium was packed, and there was an energy in the air that cannot be described,” he said. He added that he was filled with “a tremendous amount of Panther Pride” when he heard many positive remarks regarding the quality of the new facility.

Mr. Rantz said one of his favorite parts of opening night was how hard the football team worked to shut out South Williamsport. He added the first victory on the brand-new turf was special to witness.

He said his second favorite takeaway was the ceremony where he walked out on the new field with Former Athletic Director and Football Coach Mr. David Six, Former High School Principal Mr. Phil Hoff, Former High School Principal and Coach Mr. Steve Bish and Former Teacher Mr. Tom Leeser who was also the Cross Country and Boys Track and Field Coach.

“Those men are legends of this district and this community. I can only hope to live up to the standard they have set,” he added.

Dean of Students Mr. William Campbell said the opening night was electric. He said his favorite parts were the first win on the new field and the way the student section and cheerleaders worked together as a team to hype up the football players.

He added the stadium upgrade is something that he and the community has wanted since he started working at the district 13 years ago. “I believe the community likes the finished product and that it elevates the entire back of the complex,” said Mr. Campbell.

Mr. Campbell said he was involved in many pre-game activities. The tailgate breakfast and the pep rally were two of the main events, he added.

He said the tailgate breakfasts are for the entire high school to interact, play games and have breakfast before school starts. Over 125 students attended the first tailgate, Mr. Campbell said. He added he thanks Food Service Director Ms. Ashley Reese and the cafeteria workers, Supervisor of Special Education Ms. Misty Harris, Ms. Sara Snyder, Ms. Crystal Hoover and Mr. Rantz for helping serve breakfast.

“All of these activities are making an atmosphere in the school during the day and students wanting to attend after school events.  Students are talking about the success of all of the teams in the high school,” he said.

Sophomore and Co-Student Section Leader Amelia Gainer and Mr. Harris agree that “Blackout” is the best student section theme.

“It’s classic and an easy theme for everyone to do,” said Amelia. She added they try to pick themes that everyone likes and most people can participate in.

She added that she appreciates the addition of the tailgate breakfasts because they increase student activity and make students excited for games.

“Morning tailgates just get everyone involved, and it’s just a fun and exciting way to start your day,” said Amelia. Students gather in the student parking lot to eat breakfast and play minute-to-win-it games, she added.

Mr. Harris said Milton students get free admission by showing their student I.D. card.