POJOAQUE VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL PROUDLY PERFORMS ON MAJOR PLAY™ STANDARD TURF FIELD

Santa Fe, NM (March 14, 2019) – The Pojoaque fans paid tribute to their legendary 3-time state champion baseball coach Thomas McReynolds with a ceremonial ribbon cutting for their newly installed Major PlayTM Standard Fusion turf field by Hellas Construction. Specifically-designed to support the rigorous demands of baseball, Major Play turf with Helix Technology® and Realfill® infill by Hellas, allows players more time and opportunity to develop and sharpen their skills on the diamond.

In the stands behind home plate is a plaque dedicated to the man known as “Coach Mac”, who had this to say about Major Play Standard Fusion turf by Hellas, “It’s amazing, great, super, and awesome.” The winningest coach in Pojoaque history was among six people who threw out a ceremonial first pitch baseball. Pojoaque Valley School District Superintendent Dr. Mel Morgan, PVSD Athletic Director Matthew Martinez and Board of Education President Jon Paul Romero were all a part of the ribbon cutting dedication on the field. “It came out beautiful,” Romero said. “I’m very impressed with Hellas’ quality of work and it is by far the best company I have worked with”, Romero added, “We are thankful to Hellas.”

The Capital Improvements Advisory Committee (CIAC) presented the idea of new synthetic fields on campus. The fans of Pojoaque Valley voted to upgrade their baseball and football fields at a general obligation bond election in 2017. Romero said, “We were using large amounts of water, which is life around here. Now we have a facility that is easier to maintain, looks nicer, and will last a lot longer.”

Coach Mac says “This dream came true and I always wanted it.” This baseball season promises to be more productive than ever for Pojoaque due to more playing time. Major Play Standard Fusion is created with a blend of monofilament and slit-film fibers manufactured by Hellas owned fiber and textile factories in Alabama and Georgia. When combined, the turf fibers act as a blended workhorse turf guaranteeing true playing characteristics of natural grass. The Helix Technology is designed to make each fiber curl, which secures the infill and prevents “fly-out”. Pojoaque infielder Alejandro Atencio knows true ball bounce is important and says, “The field is consistent with good hops”.

Pojoaque won state titles in 1973, 1982, 1984, & 2005. Pojoaque Head Baseball Coach Robert Riggins says, “We have a chance to be more competitive.” This Hellas field has changed the mindset of the whole Pojoaque baseball program.” A large crowd was on hand despite windy and cold conditions to watch the Elks take both games of a double-header from visiting Ruidoso. Riggins knows New Mexico’s weather can be unpredictable in the early spring. “When the game was over and it’s 20 degrees outside, we didn’t have to drag the field.” Riggins added, “We could just pull the bases up, brush a few areas and go home”. “I like the turf by Hellas,” Riggins says. “It provides a consistent playing surface and eliminates the endless maintenance of a grass field.” It’s a win-win for Pojoaque Valley and it’s fans. Major Play turf can also be found in Beaumont, Texas at Lamar University.

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