​Looking Back: Gridiron Glory in Grain Valley

by Marcia Napier, Grain Valley Historical Society
 
With the 2024-25 school year beginning this week, students and faculty were able to see the beautiful new fieldhouse that’s ready for the first volleyball match next Thursday, September 5. I do not know if I’m more excited to see the match or the new facilities.  Both should be exciting!

Twenty-five years ago, the Grain Valley football faithful were greeted by an award-winning football field. That’s right, in 1999, Grain Valley’s field was recognize as one of the 10 best playing fields in the nation by Pioneer Manufacturing of Cleveland, a nationally known company that makes and sells field- and turf-maintenance equipment and supplies to some of the largest football organizations in the United States. The district received a certificate and a large banner claiming its’ field a “Field of Excellence.”

Twenty-five years ago Randy Anderson was the school district groundskeeper. He, along with five volunteers; Sam Packham, Joe Cornell, Al Hager, Duane Nay and Chip Toma, spent about ten hours per week during the football season beautifying the grass field. I think it would have been much more work maintaining a grass field. It took nearly four hours just to paint the Eagle!

Grain Valley received the prestigious honor because Sam Packham, the school district director of buildings and grounds at that time applied for the award after seeing an advertisement in a trade magazine. 

Grain Valley’s Moody Murry Field, circa 1999. Al Hager and Randy Anderson ready the field for Friday Night, under the lights! Photo credit: Grain Valley Historical Society