News Summary
The Starkville Oktibbeha County School District has completed an upgrade of Yellow Jacket Stadium’s turf, providing a safer and improved athletic environment for nearly 600 student-athletes. This initiative, led by Superintendent Tony McGee, includes features such as advanced turf technology and improvements to the Field House, baseball, and softball fields. The new surface promotes safety, reduces maintenance, and enhances performance, ultimately supporting the district’s commitment to fostering community pride and educational opportunities for students.
Starkville – The Starkville Oktibbeha County School District (SOCSD) has recently installed a new turf at Yellow Jacket Stadium, enhancing the athletic facilities for Starkville High School. This significant upgrade is part of ongoing efforts by Superintendent Tony McGee to improve the schools and athletic programs within the district. The resurfacing project began in late May and is scheduled to be completed by July 15, right in time for the upcoming athletic season.
Nearly 600 students participate in Yellow Jacket athletics, making the improvement of facilities crucial for ensuring a safer and more dynamic experience for students in grades 7-12. The new turf installation features Shaw Sports Turf’s Legion Pro, which is renowned for its use in prominent facilities, such as those at Mississippi State University and LSU. With the current turf nearing the end of its recommended usage, the new surface is expected to significantly enhance the performance and safety of athletes.
The upgraded turf installation will require less maintenance than traditional grass and integrates GeoFill, a natural infill material designed to promote player safety. Additionally, the new turf has been engineered to maintain a surface temperature that is up to 40 degrees cooler than typical synthetic fields, offering a more comfortable environment for athletes during practice and games. For added safety, a Schmitz ProPlay shock pad will be installed beneath the turf.
Also enhancing the athletic experience, there will be a series of improvements at the Yellow Jacket Field House, scheduled for July, alongside the baseball and softball fields, which will be completed by November 2025. These fields will utilize Shaw Sports Turf B1K TruHop, engineered to replicate the high-quality playing surfaces found in Major League Baseball and collegiate programs. As part of the upgrades, the facilities are also being equipped with modern drainage systems that will allow for quick return to play following rain events.
The stadium will feature new “dancing” stadium lights to enrich the atmosphere during events, in addition to a larger video scoreboard for in-game features and advertising. The project involves collaboration with architect Thomas Stewart of Architectonics and Innovative Construction Management (ICM), which is focused on creating facilities that are not only functional but also appealing to athletes and fans alike.
Superintendent McGee’s ongoing commitment to improving athletic facilities underscores the importance of such developments in providing educational opportunities and fostering community pride. Along with focusing on physical enhancements, there has been an emphasis on making strategic coaching hires across various sports while McGee served as acting athletic director before the recent appointment of Jay Hopson as the school’s permanent athletic director.
These improvements reflect an understanding that high-quality athletic facilities play a vital role in strengthening team commitment and community support, ultimately inspiring students and cultivating a sense of belonging that correlates with higher graduation rates. As Starkville High School prepares for its football home opener against Oak Grove on August 29, the new turf and facilities enhancements signal a promising future for student-athletes in the district.
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Additional Resources
- Starkville Athletic Ticket Sales Announcement
- State of SHS Athletics Report
- Yellow Jacket Turf Renovation Announcement
- Jacket Stadium Turf Update
- Wikipedia: Athletics
