Nature’s elements had taken its toll on the records board sitting just behind the press box along the home side of Tiger Stadium. In particular, years of sunlight beating down on the west side of the championship sign bled the lettering to a point it was simply a black blotch.
To the rescue were Mansfield boosters Eric Christensen and Dave Otto through the financial support of Farmers Bank.
The two men who have been instrumental in supporting the Mansfield Tiger Track and Field teams for over a decade actually went to work on the project last spring. Greasing the wheels to get the project completed before the 2020 home track season, the pair were shut down like most of the real world when the Covid-19 pandemic limited access to public places.
Restricted from following through with their pet project, the loyal supporters sat on the new sign and its associated building materials for over six months. Finally, as October skies eased temperatures and safety protocols became more auspicious, the men went to work.
A fresh coat of paint and a redesigned sign made its first appearance on October 2 before the Mansfield versus Greenland football game. As word spread, local fans got a second look last Friday when the stadium opened for another senior high football contest.
The new, west side signage proudly displays all 12 state championships won by the school’s track and field teams. It also recognizes state heptathlon winners Crystal Kemp (2005) and Jessica Otto (2010) along with state cross country champion Hannah Holstein (2012).
“We are excited about the fresh new look,” said a Mansfield administrator. “The clean new look invites more of the same. It’s been six seasons since the last state championship. We’re looking forward to adding to the board.”
