One of the biggest victories for the Franklin High School football team has come weeks after its loss in the state semifinal playoffs.
The Reisterstown high school was approved for stadium lights by the Baltimore County School Board at its monthly meeting Tuesday night.
With eight years of stadium improvement fundraising by Franklin High School Athletic Boosters, combined with a $90,000 grant last year from the Baltimore County Parks and Recreation Department, the money for the lights was raised privately.
“We?ve reached out to the alumni and the business community … many of whom had ties to Franklin, and they?ve donated time and resources and money,” said Alyssa Woods, the Booster club president.
The Franklin football team, 3A north region champs this year, went 10-3 this season before losing to River Hill in the Maryland playoffs, but a disappointment this fall was not getting a chance to play a home game on a Friday night.
Some athletes will get to play under the lights this spring. The stadium lights will be used for boys and girls lacrosse this spring, then football and boys and girls soccer next fall.
“We were hoping to have them up for the last game of the year,” said Woods? son, Matthew, a senior defensive back. “But we get to play under the lights in lacrosse and I?m really looking forward to that. Kids in school have been really excited about playing under the lights.”
A number of other county public schools, including Kenwood, Loch Raven, Owings Mills, Perry Hall, Catonsville, Pikesville and Hereford, are trying to get lights, too.
Fourth-year head football coach Anthony Burgos said the lights will bring more people to the games and help build school spirit. He also said he?s going to use it as a motivational tool.
“I?ve already put it up on the chalkboard … preparing for that home opener under the lights.”
