Players and sports fans around the world, and in particular Houston and Philadelphia, can recall the horrors brought by the conception of Astroturf. This brilliant, green carpet that did little but coat the cement foundation of the Astrodome caused a revolution in the sporting industry.
Dome stadiums finally had a material they could maintain, while others saw a magnificent opportunities to cut operating cost. The return on their investment was a surface that played twice as fast, but twice as hard. The result: cancelled games, devastating injuries to celebrated players, and fans so disgruntled and bitter that they would actually have the audacity to jeer Santa Claus like Philly fans.
Sadly, grand ole RPI has not been completely sheltered from this frightening trend in the sports world, as Rensselaer put Astroturf on Harkness Field. For the most part, RPI fans have maintained composure at games and turf conditions have remained playable, but the numerous teams that play on the turf have been plagued by the injury bug year after year.
Field hockey, soccer, and lacrosse all have lost players due to injury, some of which could have been prevented, if the Institute installed something other than a rock hard mat as a playing surface.
“We have had injuries directly related to the turf,” field hockey coach Bridget LaNoir said. “There used to be a lot of aching knees after practice.”
Fortunately for LaNoir’s players and the other Rensselaer athletic teams that use Harkness, the ailing joints and severe injuries are fewer than before thanks to a revolutionary playing surface becoming ever more popular across the country.
Its name is synthetic grass—a base of sand and rubber that is fancied up with green nylon strands to give the shell a plush look. But forget its appearance; it is the feel that’s important.
The field plays “like real grass,” according to men’s soccer coach Adam Clinton, which eliminates the peculiar bounces balls used to take on Astroturf.
And while some might argue this destroys the teams’ home field advantage, think back to LaNoir’s comment. What is more important, having a full squad or a unique field?
Now Rensselaer athletic teams can have both.
With fewer injuries comes less time in the training room and on the sideline for players. With more practice time comes a stronger, more prepared unit. And with a better arranged team comes a more knowledgeable and cohesive club. A good equation for success—something RPI can only expect more of in the future.
