New turf finished at Foundation Stadium

SANDUSKY — Sandusky High School's football stadium has new turf and a new name. The school district recently announced that the historic facility's name has been changed to Foundation Stadium. The name recognizes the lasting impact on the community made by the Dorn Foundation, Sidney Frohman Foundation, Erie County Community Foundation, Wightman-Wieber Foundation, Mylander Foundation and the Blue Streak Booster Club. "We are incredibly grateful to the very generous, supportive and involved foundations and the Blue Streak Booster Club for their investments in Sandusky City Schools," Sandusky City Schools superintendent Dan Rambler said in a news release. "The collective dedication allows us to provide our student-athletes with a safe, high-quality playing surface, while also enhancing the overall stadium experience for everyone. We are deeply appreciative of their partnership in creating opportunities within our schools and community." Rambler also approved of the new look at the stadium. "I think it's wonderful. I love it," he said. "I was talking to (booster club president) Tom Sharrah about it and he was talking about how soft it is, how it feels so much different." The stadium was called Cedar Point Stadium, but Cedar Point notified Sandusky City Schools in 2022 that it wasn't interested in contributing funds for a new playing surface. The field will still be called Strobel Field, which was dedicated in 1936. The facility was built by the Works Progress Administration, a program to help employ Americans affected by the Great Depression. The final walk-through for the new synthetic turf was conducted last week. Maumee Bay Turf, based in Oregon, Ohio, completed the project — which kicked off after graduation — at a cost of $498,000. "It's long overdue. It looks very good, I'm happy with the final product," Sharrah said. "I think the community will be very happy about it." The first football game on the new turf is scheduled for Friday, August 23. The official unveiling and presentation of the stadium name is scheduled prior to the game. The Blue Streaks' opponent will be Oregon Clay. The turf includes inlays recognizing the new Foundation Stadium name as well as a blue and white "LC" logo honoring legendary Sandusky coach Larry Cook, who died in 2022. The turf replaced the synthetic surface that was installed in 2011 by Maumee Bay. Prior to that, the Blue Streaks played on natural grass. In addition to the football field, a new high jump area was constructed in the northwest corner of the stadium. The Cedar Point Stadium sign on the front of the building will be replaced. The project also included the replacement of end zone clocks and the painting of the goal posts. Sharrah said the scoreboard will be cleaned and updated in the coming weeks and more advertisers will be recognized. Sharrah also said there are plans to install a new track next year and sound system upgrades are on the school's wish list. "The upgraded facilities will provide a superior venue for athletic competitions, school events, and community gatherings," Sandusky Schools said in the news release. "Throughout this process, Sandusky Central Catholic has remained a strong partner. We are grateful and committed to fostering this partnership in the future, ensuring a positive impact on every child in our community." Rambler is a fan of the new name, which has staying power. "The name of the stadium is going to be great for the community," he said. "It honors the foundations that do so much for the community, our kids, our school district. I think that's a name that lives on for generations."