Field Hockey Improvements


Water Turf Field & Locker Room Facilities

CLICK HERE TO GIVE TODAY!

Dear JBS Field Hockey Alums & Families,

Remember those double pre-season practices, the twelve-minute run, traveling to K.C. to play Pembroke Hill, and the joy of triumphing over Villa? These are just a few of the cherished memories we share from our time with Burroughs Field Hockey. And now, these memories are being passed down to the next generation of players as the sport continues to thrive.

In January we received a lead gift to dramatically enhance our field hockey program by converting the field to water turf and building a new facility for restrooms and locker rooms. Twenty alums and families have already pledged their support, bringing us within $370,000 of our goal. The Lt. Roz Schulte ’02 Field will retain its location and continue to serve multiple sports teams.

For more details about the field and our field hockey program, please see below. Construction began in early June, with the water turf field set to be ready for play by fall. Scroll down to see updated photos on the construction progress.

Your contribution to our field hockey program is an investment in the future of student athletes at Burroughs. We believe that, together, our alumni and alumni families can rally to meet our goal by this summer. Thank you for considering a gift, and mark your calendars to cheer on the team this fall!

 

Legendary Field Hockey Program


Our field hockey program has been a strong tradition since our doors opened in 1923. That very first fall, scrimmages were played between grade levels before facing off against their first opponents, Principia and Villa Duchesne. Twelve state championships have been won since the early 1950s, when a formal Midwest/Missouri State Championship was established. The first district tournament trophy was won in 1978 with coaches Beth Kinsella and Skippy Keefer.

In our Centennial year, the 2023 varsity field hockey team had an undefeated season and won our 12th Missouri State Championship. Former player and current Varsity Coach, Meridith Thorpe ’95, was awarded the Missouri/Midwest Coach of the Year.

Teammates For Life, an athletic history told by alumni athletes, highlights the successes won and lessons learned on the field hockey fields. You can read the online book by clicking here.

 

 

Field History

From 1923 through the 1960s, field hockey was played on various grass fields shared with other sports on the north side of campus.

Field hockey was played in the outfield of the baseball field in the 1970s through the mid 1990s before it was moved to the northwest corner of the campus. This grass field retained so much water that Skippy Keefer took towels to the surface to soak up the water before games. How ironic that in 2024 we are adding water to the new water turf field!

In 2007, an anonymous gift was given for a dedicated field for girls field hockey, which moved the players off the outfield of the baseball field to their own turf field. This plaque hangs next to the field:

To recognize the lessons learned on the playing field
To encourage and increase those opportunities for young women
To honor the coaches, past and present, who help teach those lessons

October 6, 2007

In fall of 2019, the field was expanded to include lacrosse and in 2021 was named the Lt. Roz Schulte ‘02 Field. A pavilion was built to honor female coaches with 20+ years of service to the school and had, and continue to have, an infinite amount of impact on student athletes.

In the summer of 2024, the Lt. Roz Schulte ’02 Field will be converted to water turf, the ideal playing surface for field hockey. Lacrosse and soccer will also play on the turf field.

Benefits of a Water Turf Field

Water-based turf fields offer several benefits for field hockey compared to traditional sand-based or grass fields:

  • Consistent & Enhanced Playing Surface: Water turf fields provide a consistent, smoother and faster playing surface, regardless of weather conditions. Less field friction allows for quicker ball movement & control, smoother passes and more precise shots, leading to a more dynamic and exciting game.

  • Reduced Injury Risk: Water turf fields offer a more forgiving surface compared to harder surfaces like artificial turf or traditional grass fields. This can help reduce the risk of injuries such as abrasions, cuts, and joint injuries, making it safer for players.

  • Faster Drainage: Water turf fields are designed with efficient drainage systems that allow water to quickly drain off the surface, minimizing disruptions due to rain and ensuring that the field remains playable even during inclement weather.

Restrooms & Locker Rooms

The addition of a new facility, complete with restrooms and locker rooms, offers a dedicated space to gather before and after games and practice, review game film, and bond as a team. Other teams such as soccer and lacrosse will have access to the locker rooms during their respective seasons.

Honor A Coach, Teammate or Team
Consider the opportunity to honor a coach, teammate, or entire team by contributing to the field hockey improvements. Your donation, at any level comfortable for you, will make a meaningful difference. Here are just a few coaches who have had a huge impact on alumni players - field hockey and in other sports!

How To Make A Gift

Whether you choose to make a one-time donation or spread it out over several months or years, your gift will have a significant impact. Every contribution, whether it's $100, $500, $1,000, or any amount, from JBS alumni players will help us reach our goal.

Click the button below to donate online. Or send in a check, gift from a donor advised fund, or stock through these instructions on our website.

Questions? Email Amy Greenwood Dunaway ’92 or call 314/993-4045, ext. 315.

 

CLICK HERE TO GIVE TODAY!
 

Fall 2024 Updates

Field Hockey Field 9.9.24

9.9.24 Varisty field hockey team poses with David Passmore, the Head Women’s Field Hockey Coach for the USA Olympic Team.

Summer 2024 Updates

Field Hockey Full Field 6.21.24

Field Hockey Field 6.21.24

Plumbing for Restrooms/Locker rooms 6.21.24

Field Hockey Field Construction 6.28.24

Water cannons installed 6.28.24

Field Hockey Water Cannons 7.5.24

Field Hockey Field 7.5.24

Field Hockey Plaque

Field Hockey Drone Shot 7.12.24

Field Hockey and Baseball Field 7.12.24

Campus aerial view.

Field Hockey Field 7.19.24

Field Hockey Field 7.19.24

Field Hockey Field 7.19.24

Water cannons are covered 7.26.24

Water cannons are covered 7.26.24

Field Hockey Field 8.2.24

Field Hockey Field 8.2.24

8.12.24 Surface for the new locker room facility.

8.12.24 Field Hockey Field

8.12.24 Field Hockey Field

8.12.24 New Baseball and Field Hockey Fields

8.12.24 New Baseball and Field Hockey Fields

Underlay was put down on Monday, August 19.

The underlay was put down on Monday, August 19, The turf will be rolled out later this week!

Campus shot from August 19, 2024.

Rolled turf ready to be installed on 8.26.24

Prepping for the turf 8.26.24

Laying the turf on 8.26.24

Beginning to roll out the turf on 8.26.24.

Explore Endowed Funds

Advancement Team

Ginger Imster
Special Gifts, Memorial & Tributes, Endowed Scholarships, Facilities
314-993-4045, ext. 256

Amy Dunaway
Planned Giving, Alumni Reunion Giving, Drey Land
314-993-4045, ext. 315

Lauren Stuart
Director of Annual Giving
314-993-4045, ext. 278

Nelle Stough
Gift Processing, Stock Gifts,
Company Matches
314-993-4045, ext. 257

Click here to learn more about giving back to Burroughs.