Old Turf Needs Updates

North Country Field doesn’t provide the same advantage it once did for St. Lawrence University athletes. 15 years ago, the turf had distinctly outlined fields, a supportive surface and was safe to play on. When looking at the turf now, it doesn’t reflect the same image as it did in 2010.   

To install a new turf would cost “between 500,000 and 2 million dollars depending on the scope of work,” said Athletic Director Franco Bari. This cost could come from the Here We Go Saints Foundation, which supports all student-athletes, and all donations are used for SLU athletics.   

Having only one turf field also creates the problem of extreme wear and tear. “There has been conversations with regards to finding locations for an additional turf, which typically leads to discussions on finding resources to pursue opportunities,” said Bari. Especially when Canton experiences its harsh winter weather, making it unplayable on grass fields, athletic teams have to use the turf to have an effective practice.   

 LandTek is a company that specializes in installing turf fields. Their Sales and Marketing representative said, “Turf fields typically have a warranty of eight years.” With all the use the turf has received in the last 15 years, it is well overdue for replacement.  

One of the coaches anonymously admitted, “When turf is as worn down as what we have it, it creates no consistency in terms of traction, and the variations of this make it dangerous.” With the serious amount of snowfall Canton received this year, SLU’s spring athletes are encountering a unique problem with the turf’s drainage system. The snow was compacted down so much this winter that it pressed down to the pipes underneath the turf, creating ridges and dips throughout the field.  

Every field has injuries occurring on it. Every year since I was a student at SLU, I have had one of my lacrosse teammates tear their ACL on North Country Field. When talking to SLU athletes about the field, they said it “leaves athletes on the field more susceptible to injury” and “has zero give or cushion to it.”  

Sam Wade ’26 a men’s lacrosse player, also mentioned fatigue and said the turf did play a factor in his injury. “At the spot where I was hurt, there is a pretty noticeable divot,” Wade said. “It was a non-contact injury, so typically, that has something to do with the turf.” A new turf field won’t prevent all serious injuries, but it will provide SLU athletes with a safe surface to play on.