Comments ... 25 found!

Sherman Stadium : 12/21/2009
I agree as well about the condition of the stadium, along with the location and the size.
My family lives in Paris and they passed an almost $70 million bond measure that is for a new high school and athletic facility that is opening in August of 2010. The high school is a showpeice as far as high school designs go(www.parisisd.net then click on bond construction). Also Paris High is a large 3AAA school, only after the recent change of enrollment figures by the UIL which dropped it down although the school didnt get any smaller. BUT, Paris does have three high schools in the city.
The new stadium includes a 2 level press-box, track, soccer, field house, and indoor practice field. It will be the best facility in this region I personally think.
Now while Sherman High School is larger, the city is not that much bigger than Paris as Sherman and Paris are the two largest towns in this region. I just think everytime I drive by the Sherman Stadium what a odd location and design for a stadium it is. I do agree with serval posters on here that a new stadium would be in order. I do not however agree with combining the two regions school's stadiums(Sherman and Denison)would be in the best interests. I would never go for this in Paris with Paris, North Lamar, and Chisum schools as Shermand and Denison are two different towns.

football fan

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Wow : 11/12/2009
I can't get over the irony of someone complaining about the school board and its "same old agenda for academics and fine arts" and then posting something full of grammatical and spelling errors. Here's a newsflash: the primary goal of SISD and every other district in the state is to educate, not build football stadiums. It's one thing to want a new stadium; it's another to complain that they are too focused on academics. That's completely asinine.

43-28

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Stadium : 11/10/2009
I'm glad I'm not the only one who is embarrassed by our stadium. I don't even like football or really care one way or the other, but got free tickets and took the kids. What a mess. As a Sherman High Alumni, this is embarrassing. If you go to any out of town games, especially Richardson or Frisco, you see what others have. Our students deserve better.

Sherman Mom

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showing up counts : 11/8/2009
A few commenets on your comments. There are only 21 comments here and some of you are commenting more than once. How many of you will show up Nov. 16? I'd bet one maybe two. If you want to build a new stadium that will last as long as Bearcat it will cost minimum 12-15 million and then upgrade the rest of the Athletic Facilities like your talikng add another 5-7 million. I don't think the citizens of Sherman will pass a 20-25 million dollar bond for these projects they would not pass the T.R.E. How many of you bloggers are going to go out and campaign for this too? Probably about the same amount that will show up for the Board meetings to voice your concerns. One. There is no doubbt that there need's to new athletic facilities built in Sherman, but as long as you got the same old school board memebers with the same old agenda for academics and fine arts it will never happen. How many of you plan to sign up and run and servre for school board? It all starts and ends right there. They have no competition and will to make changes and improvements when no one bothers to show up to school board meeting and voice concerns over the direction of the schools and when no one offers any competitiion in the election process. If you want to make a showing organize a hundred or so parents and show up Nov.16 then offer some competition for the seat they hold by running against them. Sadly it's the same old same old year after year. How long do you think Kinne will stay once he figures out nothing is going to change? The clock is ticking. It's time to get some good ole boys on the school board that care about something other than fine arts and academics. It'sjust time.

Bearcat Forever

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stadium : 11/3/2009
Paris is opening a new stadium next year as is Gainesville. Look around Sherman. You will soon be the only one left with a little mud hole to play in. It won't be long until schools start refusing to play in the Bearcat stadium mud. Your band can't play there now. Jr. varsity games are being moved out of town. That is pathetic. You have a great coach now but how long will he stick around if he sees you don't support the program? I hope the people of Sherman will do something about this.

Sherman Ex

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Stadium : 11/3/2009
I am not sure of all the politics involved and what all goes into gettign the money fromt he state that your school has coming. What i can tell you is that Pottsboro just put in a new field and track and it is great. I can also tell you that we didn't raise taxes or have a special election to pay for it. Our school superintendent goes to Austin and fights for every single dollar we have coming. I believe just for the field and track it was in the neighborhood of 500k. This was all paid for before construction was ever statred. So maybe Bearcats you should start by looking at your school administraiton and how they manage or mis-manage your school funds.

Cardinal Fan

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Nice Stagium : 11/3/2009
Our stagium is nice

Jerry Jones

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FYI : 11/3/2009
"At least our facilities are better than Paris, so for now we can hang our hat on that." Paris is opening a new stadium next year.

FYI

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Need New Stadium : 11/3/2009
Of course a new stadium is needed. Most school districts get new stadiums built by packaging the stadium into a bond election with other needed items such as new schools to get it passed. It needs to be built at the high school, not just because there is a head-start on parking there, but because having a field-turf stadium field also provides a practice field that is always in perfect condition. We shouldn't be short-sighted about it either: it should also include new weight-training facilities for all sports that aren't in a former lawn equipment shed, and an indoor facility that is bigger to be the full width of the field as that is an example of a short-sighted previous mistake. Leave the current indoor facility there so more sports can use it. Don't waste your breath on a shared stadium with Denison. Different school districts don't share stadiums. I think Sherman and Denison both suffer from the fact that we compare ourselves to each other, and both have sub-par school buildings and athletic facilities. Hopefully there are others that want to at least make every effort to have the best of everything, instead of being content with the knowledge that maybe someone else has it as bad. As far as field-turf, don't use Denison's poorly installed version as that's the only bad one I've ever seen. It's a great product, and that's why almost everyone has put it in. I haven't been to every single stadium, but I've been to a lot. If you take a big circle around the DFW Metroplex, from Denison to Corsicana and all around, the only grass fields I am aware of at the 4A or 5A level are Sherman and Terrell, and pretty soon that's going to include most of 3A and 2A. In addition to the stadiums, every Denton ISD high school also has a field-turf practice field on campus. With field-turf and new stadiums, we're not just talking DFW suburban districts, but one high school towns with similar demorgraphics to Sherman. They have found a way to make it happen. Greenville, Waxahachie, Ennis, Corsicana, Everman, Aledo, Gilmer, Carthage, the list goes on and on. Greenville made it happen - think about that. At least our facilities are better than Paris, so for now we can hang our hat on that. Let's get it on the ballot, and vote yes. Let the people with vague references to "other priorities" howl. Throw some other stuff in there, but the cost for stadium, weight facility, indoor facility and other things needs to be in the $15 million range. Somehow the new gym was done fairly quietly, but it's time to keep going.

New New Stadium

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Dollar Down : 11/3/2009
I must admit that I am new to the way that schools are funded. I know the basic idea is that I pay taxes for the schools that my children go to, but beyond that very elementary understanding, I am lost. Is there a way to change this, is it possible to get the 2006 construction money? Where can I go to find out more information about what you are talking about? I would appreciate any info that you can share. I also agree that we need to be more forward thinking in our approach, rather than always trying to play catch-up. With that being said, at some point you have to accept where you are and fix the problem instead of trying to find something to blame for the problem. That does not mean that I am accusing anyone of doing that, what I am asking is where do we go from here? We are still left with an unacceptable stadium and issues with our schools. We need a new stadium, one that will serve Sherman for the next 70 yrs. It is my opinon that the sooner the better. For what it is worth, I am not a fan of the shared stadium idea. It seems to me that any savings percevied in the inital cost of a stadium is quickly deminished over the course of the lifetime of that stadium. Also, the easy part is the construction of the stadium then the difficult part is "who" fixes the leaky faucet, paints the bathroom, maintains the parking lot? What a headache, everyone would be upset. Remember that your voice matters, the next school board meeting is Nov. 16, call the admin. office for the exact location and time. Thank You

Kenneth

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TWIN CITIES STADIUM : 11/3/2009
I believe that a stadium should be built out where the old SherDen Mall was at and it could be shared and taken care of by our twin cities for BOTH schools. We could all come together at all times even in the "Battle of the Ax". The battle would be different only as a competition for the AX. This "Battle" shouldn't be about anything but who is stronger, healthier and trained the best and who is the most disciplined competitors between the two school's athletes. I believe the time has come for all to support one another and have healthier relationships and be proud of our accomplishments together. I know that last year when Denison kept going further, we Bearcat fans would prefer the Jackets win over anyone else because they are our neighbors, family and friends before they are our competitors. Let's be proud, but let's be proud of what we all have and what we could possibly all obtain!

Not Embarrassed About A Challenge

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dollar down we tote the note : 11/3/2009
It was about this time last year that most of the districts in North Texas were faced with the very hard decision of passing a tax roll back election or sticking their schools with 2005 funding for the forseeable future. Sherman voters chose to leave the state's money on the table in Austin, or closer to home in Highland Park, Southlake Carroll, or Frisco... Lately, there has been a lot of talk about the successful practice of sharing athletic facilities. There is one major roadblock to any new turf, football field, shared stadium?, or stadium. Sherman is a debtor district and as the fellow said last week. "When you finish paying off your current bond obligations you will still have penniless schools, worn-out buildings, no money in the bank, no plan, no property, and the same old "one born everyday" victim's outlook of managing your money like a payday check cashing patron." If you had passed the rollback you would have received the "hold harmless" tax rollback money from all of the new construction since 2006 (Think Town Center). New construction in your town benefits every school district but yours! You get 2006! Most schools that passed the rollback have received at least two to one and in some cases three to one for each local tax dollar raised when taxing at the approved "Perry Tax Rate". These are dollars that you could have used to pay down your current bond obligations or, to pay for new "floating turf" at your very ancient stadium. Sometimes life stinks, you mistakenly listen to people who paid for expensive houses with their dead parents money. Well, the little town of Ector will see a $200,000 benefit if they pass their rollback. Their rollback will bring in $158,000 of state money with $42,000 being generated locally by taxing at the "Perry Rate". San Saba district could raise it's tax base by $198,000 to the "Perry Rate" resulting in an extra $268,000 funding from the state. If you prove you need "New Robin Hood" money by raising your tax rate, you will get "New Robin Hood" money. Here's one, did you know the state has not increased the amount reimbursed for transportation fuel since 1983? It is no wonder that your school administrators were shocked when you were to lazy to pick up the stack of state money with the eyeballs on top of it, that was singing the song..."I always feel like, somebody's watching me..." It's all a very bitter, jagged little pill, you will never have the courage to attempt that to which your students aspire. Currently, building a "partnered stadium" with Sherman, would be like starting a taxi service with your drunken brother in law. Can you not change the current system? Look in the mirror and greet the problem. Rich public schools - the ultimate oxymoron.

F is For Financial Failure T is for tsk tsk

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BC Stadium : 11/2/2009
Thank you for pointing out my mistake, I agree that the spelling of words is important. I will try and answer your questions. I have not been to all 238 Class4A schools, but I have seen most of their stadiums and/or fields. There is a website called texasbob.com and there you can find pictures of just about every stadium in Texas. By looking on the web and actually going to more than a few stadiums, it is my opinon that BC stadium is the worst in 4A. The field, the stadium, the facilities, the parking they all come together to form an "embarrassing" situation. Whether or not I like a turf field is not of importance, I just recognize that best use of our resources would be to have a turf field. One of the points that I am trying to make is that we need a facility that can meet all of the current needs of a Class 4A school, varsity and jr. varsity football, 9th grade football, two 8th grade and two 7th grade football teams, boys varsity and jr varsity soccer, girls varsity and jr varsity soccer, soccer tournaments, marching band competitions and any other sports or activities that will come up in the future. It would be irresponsible to attempt to put a turf field in the current location. Bearcat Stadium is in a "flood zone" that is the unfortunate truth and that is what we should deal with. While BC stadium has served the community well since it was built in 1940, the needs of the school have changed and it is time for a new BC stadium. A stadium that will meet all of the current needs. Where will the land come from? The land, the stadium, the turf, the parking areas will have to come from us, it will be a large investment into our future. Make no mistake this is not a cheap fix, but it is a necessary one. I understand the desire not to have some big box that some might call a stadium, but I think with careful planning, a new stadium can be built that honors the past and serves the future. I am willing to put my money were my mouth is, I am willing to pay more in school taxes to get this done and I think that there are many more like me out there. Once again if you think the time has come for a new Bearcat Stadium then contact The school board, show up to the next meeting, voice your opinon. Thank You

Kenneth

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Sorry Ps and Qs : 11/2/2009
Sorry I can't spell to please you, but you understand what I am saying. If you really think that mud bowl in a flood plain that is 70 years old is what we need then you don't really care about our athletic programs. Like I said to you earlier I put my money where my mouth is every year it's called school taxes, and I have the right to want some of those taxes to go for new athletic facilities. There is land next to the high school that the district owns or I'm sure land can be purchased if need be. Sorry you want to stay put because it might cost the tax payer a little bit of money, but that is how other districts do business. Wouldn't it have been nice if we had taken the restroom, concession and ticket booth money which did nothing for the field and put it to better use at the stadium. If you want be mad at something think about that.

Must Change

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Bearcat stadium : 11/2/2009
As a SHS graduate in the 70's I have seen all the complaints of this stadium over the years. To all the people who think a new stadium is needed, your right. High school athletic facilities are a low priority on any bond election. The idea of sharing a stadium with Denison is really not a option. On joint facilities, who have priority rights. Who fixes the leak in the restrooms, or any other expenses. Easier said than done. Most school districts that share stadiums are from the same schools within the district thus this is not a problem except who gets the prime Friday dates. I happened to vist Sherman the last two weekends. I passed Bearcat stadium and it was a disgrace. The reason turf is used is not necessarly for looks but to save the facility from wear and tear with all the activities that use it like a earlier writer mention. These activities desrve to use the field too. It's going to take a bond election and as stated earlier thats tough to go up againist new schools and other needed things for the school district. The first thing you will hear is don't need to raise taxes and what will I get from it. I am in the athletic busines so I have seen this from time to time. Just thought I would throw my two cents in.

old grad

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Embarrassed? : 11/2/2009
You should be embarrassed you can't spell the word embarrassed or plain. I came on here and told you how to spell them right, and you still can't! How sad is that! You are definitely two individuals who can't be taken seriously. You been to all 200 Class 4A schools? You're telling me all the rest are your so-called turf havens? I've said it before, and I'll say it again, put your money where you mouth is while the rest of us spend our money where it really needs to be spent - food, roof over our heads, health insurance (those who can afford it under the current plan), bills and other amenities. I speak for myself only, but I'm sure there are others who have the turf metropolis field you're talking about on their respective lists, but if they're like mine, it's WAY LOW! Where do you plan to find the land for this dude?

Mind your Ps and Qs

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1 MORE TO GO : 11/2/2009
Yep...only one more. Too bad you guys have to come north and get throttled.

Denison 52 Sherman 20

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football field : 11/2/2009
Get a nice field for both Denison and Sherman teams to enjoy and let everyone pay for it and let everyone use it. Both cities could make money and we both could have a wonfderful place for our future children to use. Leave the politics out of it!!!

parent

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Bearcat Mom : 11/2/2009
If you are not embarressed that everyone that drives on Highway 75 sees that rodeo arena field that we call a football field then something is wrong with you. That football stadium to travlers and anyone else on 75 represents our school district and our athletic program. I for one am very embarressed.

Must Change

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stadium : 11/2/2009
This is all starting to sound like a health care reform town hall meeting. Sure a lot of anger in this world. Hope you can all come together and get a new stadium built. Good luck.

Out of towner

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Bearcat Mom : 11/2/2009
Just because the last game has been played there this year we still have the same situation to start next year with. I will still do whatever I can to try and get a new athletic facility at least considered, while you can stick your head back in the sand. With your way of thinking nothing would ever get done at Sherman I.S.D. Kenneth is right, I challenge anybody to check out the rest of the 4A facilities in the state and see if we are not the worst.

Embarressed

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1 More To Go : 11/2/2009
The field Friday night was muddy, but our BEARCATS played hard and won a very important game. I cant wait to play denison this week! Then all the talk about the jackets can be put to rest and the real champions of 9-4A will be SHERMAN!!

Love Me Some Bearcats

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Get Over It : 11/2/2009
To EMBARRASSED.....Get over the field thing dude. OMG! the season is over with. Use your energy into something that can really make a difference and stop whining about the football field. We all know that it needs to be replaced, we all know it floods when it rains....We know!!!! We know!!!!! Let it go......

Bearcat Mom

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: 11/1/2009
I agree, not only is the conditon of the field an embaresment it is unacceptable. We as parents and citizens of Sherman need to voice our displeasure to the school board. The next school board meeting is Nov. 16. Contact the Admin. office at (903) 891-6400 to find out where the meeting will be. While you are getting the information you need to express your opinon to Dr. Hambrick. The time is now to have the discussion of what to do about Bearcat Stadium. The stadium has served the school and community well over its 70 yrs, but it is time to step into the future with a new athletic complex that will serve the needs of all for the next 70 yers. While BC stadium met the needs of the community in 1940, today's stadium must be used for more then just a varsity football field. We must consider that in Sherman schools there are varsity, jr. varsity, 9th grade football, two 8th grade and two 7th grade football teams, boys and girls soccer teams, marching band, soccer tournaments, marching band competitions, etc. We need parking space. We need a facility that is not in a flood plane. We need a stadium that is fan friendly. We need a stadium that is large enough to be both comfortable and safe to all who want to attend. I know of several people that will not go to a home game because it is just to chaotic. I have stated this on another thread and I will repeat it here, take a look around the district, the area, the region and the state. Try and find another 4A school's facilities (other then Denison) that are worse then ours. You will not find one! There are over 200 Class 4A schools and I am fairlly confident that ours are the worst out of all of them. I understand that this is not an easy fix. We are talking about a large investment, but it is also expensive to do nothing. It will continue to cost us in terms of annual maintenance, the grass re-sodding, the loss of $200,000 in equipment every few yrs due to a flood, the high cost of man hrs to maintain a stadium that is 70 yrs old. That will be the dollar cost, but it will cost us much more than money. The real cost is in the loss of civic pride, the cost will be that all of those who visit BC stadium will know that the community of Sherman does not care about our students. If you agree, understand that the only way to get things changed is to voice your opinon. Call Dr. Hambrick, go to the school board meetings, join the booster club, join your PTA and voice your thoughts. Let's stop being Embarresed!

Kenneth

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Embarressing : 11/1/2009
EMBARRESSING FIELD

Embarressed

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