Weather & Practice

[nLions1]

I hope neither team had their players out in this weather today. I'm guessing they did practice indoors though. If I was in the Semis I would want to get in as much practice time as possible.

[formerbcplayer]

When I was at BC we always practiced outside in this type of weather. You would be surprised how much extra clothing can fit under your shoulder pads and pants. The clothing plus a few heat huddles around the exhaust pipes of the Whackers (portable lights) made it bearable.

[nLions1]

I've played football before, I know you can fit under armour and a hoodie underneath your pads, but IMO practicing in weather that you cant even feel your fingers or toes is just stupid. In a game you are constantly moving and keep a decent body temperature throughout, but during practice and in weather like this it is dang near impossible to focus because you are so cold. Injuries also happen easier when the muscles aren't warm. Not to mention the risk of sickness in 18 degree weather in the blowing snow. If I were Sponsky or Donbo, take today's practice inside and get what you can out of it. Sure its "perfect" LHAC football weather, but c'mon man.

[Manfred]

Just for kicks- does anyone KNOW if the fields at Central Mountain and Hempfield are turf or natural grass? My boss played for McKeesport in '86 against Hempfield, and he said it was grass then, but that was a long time ago.

[mc29012]

Just for kicks- does anyone KNOW if the fields at Central Mountain and Hempfield are turf or natural grass? My boss played for McKeesport in '86 against Hempfield, and he said it was grass then, but that was a long time ago.

Central mountain is turf im pretty sure

[cleaverstuart]

Hempfield is turf, actually every public school in Westmoreland county other than Monessen, Jeanette, Latrobe, Derry and Liggy are turf now, Derry is looking and one must wonder how far behind Liggy is

[WPIAL~Titan]

Hempfield's facility is fantastic. Their surface is Field Turf and the press box was well over $1M. Its a beautiful place. Probably seats between 4500-5000. Too bad Hempfield's football teams have been awful lately. The stadium is easy to get to as well. From Jtown, take US30W to PA66N to PA136N. Stadium will be <1mi on your left. An alternate route would be US22W to PA66S at Delmont to PA136N, stadium will be <1mi on the left.

[formerbcplayer]

Speaking of practicing indoors, Bishop McDevitt is scheduled to practice in Holuba Hall, Penn State's indoor practice facility.
http://live.psu.edu/image/23157

[woninthetrenches]

If I correct, all schools that host a state playoff game have to have turf. That was one of the reasons that Mansion Park held the State Championship game back in the day.

[Manfred]

Until PIAA politics ( and maybe a little palm-greasing) took it away.