SYLVANIA, Ohio — There are not many high schools left in our area with a grass football field. The benefits of installing turf have led many programs to make the switch and most recently that title belongs to Southview High School.
The Cougars will experience the phenomenon of playing on a new surface in 2024. Yet, the impact it'll create goes beyond the painted lines.
"Kind of in awe that it looks so great," assistant coach Jim Mayzes said. "I love the orange end zones and the way they made the green change all the way down the field. I think it looks incredible."
Fresh off a season full of success, in which Southview won a Northern Lakes League Cardinal Division Championship and playoff game, the team is now reaping the reward of a new kind.
"We are truly blessed to have this. Great opportunity with a consistent playing field," senior quarterback Will Mayzes said. "A lot of times games are affected by what you're playing on."
High school football on turf is nothing new for this program, given all of the NLL members (except Anthony Wayne) compete on it. The home-field feel now belongs to Mel Nusbaum Stadium after Maumee Bay Turf Center completed the renovation in early August.
The surface itself though isn't the only meaningful addition.
"I don't know, you're speechless about it," Jim Mayzes said. "Just the fact so many people had to say 'yes' to put my name there. I'm very appreciative."
On the north side of the facility reads "Jim Mayzes Field" in honor of Southview's longtime head coach.
"While they were putting the physical name on the field, we were out here practicing," head coach Steve Hardy said. "So, he didn't really know what was going on but you can see it rolling out and so it was really special for him."
Recognition that will shine bright under the lights this fall. Jim Mayzes served the Cougars for 25 years as head coach.
"It was very cool. No other man deserves it more than him," Jim Mayzes' son, Will Mayzes, said. "He's put so much effort and work into this, countless years in building up this program."
Not only is Jim Mayzes' presence now seen on the newly formed football field, but his impact still very much felt among coaches and players. He enters this upcoming season as Southview's wide receivers coach. Although his knowledge and personality continue to positively affect the community, he reminds everyone why his legacy is cemented.
"So many kids and assistant coaches did a great job of putting in effort. Blood, sweat and tears for many years," Jim Mayzes said. "That's how my name got there, because of their efforts."