Buckles in the Lucco-Jackson gym floor are undergoing a patching process after a moisture issue was discovered earlier this semester. The patch has been installed, and it now requires painting and waxing.
Athletic director Amy Boscolo is uncertain whether the gym will be re-opened for winter-season athletic events. If it’s not, athletic events will largely take place at the middle schools.
“Once we get to a point where all of the painting and waxing … is over, we’re going to go ahead and start testing the floor out for practices,” Ms. Boscolo said. “From there, we’ll determine if we can move events here or not, but we don’t have any decisions on that.”
Ms. Boscolo said the patch could accidentally create a dead spot on the floor, where balls don’t bounce back. That’s why it’s important to test it thoroughly before games. Luckily, no home basketball games are scheduled until Nov. 22.
“We have a lot of time to see what we’re doing and where we’re going to go,” she said.
Ms. Boscolo said she has full faith that the basketball teams will remain enthusiastic, even if they have to play their season in a middle school gym. She said girls volleyball impressed her with their spirit, despite playing all home games at Liberty.
“They’ve embraced how loud the crowd feels because they’re right on top of the court,” Ms. Boscolo said. “They won the conference. We’re hosting the regional. They’re moving forward as if nothing has ever happened … They’re thankful. They’re gracious. And they work their tails off.”
When the moisture was first discovered, boys basketball head coach Dustin Battas said he was sure his team would do what it takes to get through the season, even though it would be an inconvenience to play at a middle school.
“I think there’ll be moments where our guys are frustrated if they can’t have games in their home court,” coach Battas said. “As the coach, you’re a little bit more worried about the day-to-day routine of practice. Being here right when school gets out makes our lives a lot easier.”
Coach Battas is confident in administration’s ability to make the season run smoothly.
“Ms. Boscolo and our administrative team will try to put a plan in place so we can still get our practices in and try to make it as least inconvenient as possible,” coach Battas said.
Senior basketball player Brandon Hoffmann said administrators have told him they’re hopeful that the team will be able to play in Lucco-Jackson. He’s choosing to maintain a positive attitude.
“I think we all believe no matter where we’re playing, we are going to show up and play,” Hoffmann said.
The patch is probably a temporary fix, according to Ms. Boscolo. But large-scale renovations cannot proceed until the source of the moisture is found, or the new floor might also buckle. When administration locates where the water is coming in, a lengthy replacement process will likely begin.
“You want to make sure you’re going with a good flooring company, but there’s processes for the district for bids,” Ms. Boscolo said. “We have certain purchasing procedures we have to go through.”
Ms. Boscolo remains prepared for any challenges the winter season might bring.
“I have full confidence, no matter where we are, what we’re doing, that we’re going to be absolutely fine,” she said. “We have plan A, plan B, plan C – every plan you could imagine, we have it.”