By Dominique McCrary

Northeast News Editorial Assistant

Thanks in part to a $100,000 donation from alum Charles Harris, Lincoln College Prep broke ground on their new $3.5 million football field on Thursday, July 12.

Attendees including Lincoln Prep educators, Kansas City Public Schools (KCPS) Superintendent Dr. Mark Bedell, Athletic Director James Sanders, and donors who helped make the new field a reality.

Plans for the new facility include improved bleachers and a new scoreboard. These modifications will make it possible for the varsity football team to have home games on the field again.

“This is a special moment for every Lincoln grad that’s ever went through these doors of, as they call it, the school on the hill,” said Sanders. “So, I think everybody just wants it perfect.”

In addition to the new football field, improvements to the track and lines for a soccer field will be added as as well, according to Sanders. Harris, a former University of Missouri football standout and a 2017 first-round NFL draft pick, made a donation of $100,000 for the football field. On Thursday, he said he was excited for members of the community to enjoy the changes, as well as future games at the new field.

“The fact that it’s getting built, that the kids will enjoy it, that’s what I care about,” said Harris, a defensive end with the Miami Dolphins.

A common message from the speakers was a joy in seeing a positive impact on the youth in the community.

With the improvements to the field, the football squad won’t be the only team to enjoy the improvements. The track team and the soccer team will now be able to practice on the high school campus, and gym classes can also take advantage of the new facilities.

The field renovations are expected to be completed by July 2019, according to Sanders.

Below: Lincoln Prep Principal Kristian Foster describes the field improvements during the groundbreaking ceremony.

https://youtu.be/qpypapUsAU8