Scotts restores damaged football field

After a chemical mishap destroyed their home field, the senior football players for the Green Wave of St. Edward Central Catholic High School in Elgin, Ill., were forced to play the last month and a half of their final season on the road.

Fortunately, Scotts Miracle-Gro stepped in to ensure the underclassmen don’t face the same fate.

As part of its #KeepItReal campaign, dedicated to repairing athletic fields across the country, Scotts donated the products and services to install a new athletic-grade sod field. The project was completed Oct. 3 and saved the school $200,000, according to the Chicago Tribune.

“Given the unfortunate situation at St. Edward High School, restoring their football field was a natural fit for us,” said Josh Peoples, vice president and general manager of Scotts. “The surface these athletes play on is just as important as how they play the game — we wanted to do the right thing for this team and bring the Green Wave back to their home field for Senior Night.”

The Green Wave hoped to play its final game on the renovated field, however, forecasted rain forced the game to be relocated. Some feared playing on a wet field could damage the newly installed sod.

Yet, a visit and speech from legendary Chicago Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher slightly quelled the team’s disappointment.

“Growing up as a kid playing sports and later as a pro, I know firsthand the importance of playing on a nice, conditioned football field on natural grass when possible,” Urlacher said.

The team faces Richmond-Burton Community High School of Richmond, Ill. in a playoff game Oct. 30. The game will be on the road — something the team has grown accustomed to.

The football field at St Edward was accidentally destroyed and @scottslawncare stepped up to repair it #KeepItReal pic.twitter.com/tdgraw7FZd

— Brian Urlacher (@BUrlacher54) October 24, 2015