VVS to open newstadium against Oneida

VVS-Oneida rivalry to highlight HOF Weekend, first game played on new field

One of the feature sporting rivalries in Central New York will have a brand new venue beginning Thursday.

Vernon-Verona- Sherrill is opening its new turf field and stadium under the lights on Thursday against arch rival Oneida in a Tri-Valley League girls soccer clash between two of the top three teams in the Pioneer Division at 7 p.m.

The next day, the Red Devils are welcoming all past and present athletes and coaches; Section III officials; the Board of Education, and boosters for a grand opening ceremony at 5 p.m. prior to the official ribbon cutting at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 12 prior to a huge Class B East matchup with Oneida as VVS battles for a spot in the postseason.

Adding to the fun, VVS Athletic Director Randy Thomas has a agreed to a friendly wager with Oneida Athletic Director Stacy Tice. If VVS loses on Friday, Thomas will have to don Oneida gear. Similarly, if Oneida loses, Tice will sport VVS Red Devil gear.

With the new ticket booth still under construction, fans at Friday’s game can find re-

freshments and restrooms inside Sheveron, similar to the layout for a basketball game.

The gridiron tilt will be the first time since 1955, 63 years, that a home game will be hosted somewhere other than the old Sheveron Field, Thomas said, adding that he hopes the big weekend will draw crowds like the old days when fans lined the field “4 to 5 people deep.”

With a large crowd expected Friday, the district is offering a free shuttle from J.D. George Elementary to the high school beginning at 4:30 p.m.

On Saturday, the VVS junior varsity and varsity field hockey teams bookend a boys soccer tilt, all against Oneida, to complete the live action on the new field.

Afterwards, VVS will honor its newest class of Hall of Fame inductees with a dinner and induction ceremony before the homecoming dance.

All events are free admission throughout the extended weekend, something Thomas credited Superintendent Martha Group for ensuring on the occasion.

“We want the public to see the fruits of what the VVS community has invested in,” Thomas said, adding he has received numberous calls from alumni seeking more information about how to be a part of the weekend.

The VVS AD also credited the school’s booster club and Student Council for helping make the big weekend a reality.

While the Red Devils’ Hall of Fame and Homecoming weekend feature athletics, Thomas and VVS English teacher Sondra Whalen are also excited about the educational opportunities afforded by some of the new stadium’s feature such as its state-ofthe-art scoreboard that can be used by a potential video graphics course or club.

Though replay will not be available this weekend, Thomas says the board will eventually have replay capabilities in addition to keeping track of score, down and distance, and time remaining. Thursday, Oct. 11: - Girls Varsity Soccer vs Oneida 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 12: - Grand Opening Ceremony 5 p.m.

- Varsity Football vs Oneida 7p.m. Saturday, Oct. 13: - JV Field Hockey vs Oneida 10 a.m.

- Varsity Boys Soccer vs Oneida 1:30 p.m.

- Varsity Field Hockey vs Oneida 3 p.m.

- Hall of Fame Dinner 5 p.m. (High School Gym)

- Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony 6 p.m. (Sheveron Community Center)

- Homecoming Dance 7 p.m. (Middle School Gym)

BY JOHN BREWER JBREWER@ONEIDADISPATCH.COM @DISPATCHBREWER ON TWITTER Vernon-Verona-Sherrill will officially open its new stadium with a weekend of activities, featured by rivalry contests with Oneida and a Hall of Fame induction ceremony, beginning on Thursday, Oct. 11.

BY JOHN BREWER JBREWER@ONEIDADISPATCH.COM @DISPATCHBREWER ON TWITTER VVS’ new state-of-the-art scoreboard will be operational for its rivalry weekend with Oneida.

PHOTO BY JOHN BREWER VVS’s new stadium.