David Kawada – Digital Sports Hawaii
dkawada@digitalsports.com
In late October 2007, I witnessed the final official event at Roosevelt Stadium – an OIA football game between Mckinley and Farrington, in the rain and mud that was typical of the conditions for a sporting event there. I could not see the yardage markers. The numbers on the jerseys were barely visible. One could only envision what this field looked like 30 years ago when there was some grass on the field.
On May 31, 2008, I was also present to witness the very first official function of the new Roosevelt Stadium, or officially called the Ticky Vasconcellos Stadium. It was only fitting that the 355 members of the Graduating Seniors Class of 2008 would the inaugural group to cross the new artificial field of the $4.2 million renovation project for their Graduation Ceremony. No other members of the student body, or general public for that matter, had been allowed to put a toenail on the new track and field.
“We were the first ones on it,” said senior Shane Doi. “Everyone has wanted to get out there.”
The Stadium is being hailed as the model for private and public collaboration for funding in the public school sector. Volunteers re-painted the cement seats a bright Red and Gold that had long since faded or covered over by grit and grime of decades under the elements. A bold “RHS” in red with black trim is shown prominently at the 50-yard line.
This is the home of the Roughriders.
The red track surrounding the field seemed fitting for one of the oldest schools in the State. Colors make all the difference when it comes to team, pride, and power. And there was green on the field, a color long since forgotten for the Roosevelt family of students and alumni.
Let us not forget when taxpayers look at the price tag of this project. The Stadium is also the home for Mckinley, Farrington, and Kaimuki. Add in that soccer games will also be hosted at this facility. The most heavily used facility for outdoor high school athletics will benefit more than just the Roughrider programs.
On this night, after the Graduation Ceremonies were officially over, the public got their chance to take off their slippers and walk on the field. Children ran, rolled, sat, and simply touched the green turf.
Generations of high school graduates always cling to a lasting memory of their teen years. For these graduates, they can say they were the first to grace the new stadium.
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