By Kyle Auger
Staff Writer

All the rumors have been swirling, and the excitement has peaked, and it is true, the installation of an artificial turf field is highly likely.

According to Athletic Director Daniel Twomey, a man-made green turf will replace the original natural grass on Alumni Field.

The turf is set to be ready for the 2011-2012 fall season for athletics. Construction will begin the Monday after graduation and will take roughly 8 weeks.

The rumors about the turf originated when a ballot was posted on trainer Bill Bombaci’s door asking what color the turf should be. Although maroon was the victor of the votes, the turf will be a natural green color.

Twomey explained that the vote was nothing but, “ An informal polling.”

A lot of athletes were excited for a colored turf popularized at Boise State University and this idea was pondered, however the installation company could not promise that the colored turf would stay strong for the beating that it would receive.

This new turf could be a new advantage for Westford Academy.

“It appears that straight-ahead sprint speed is similar between field turf and natural grass, but change-of-direction speed may be significantly faster on field turf,” said Graydon L. Gaines who wrote a report on the difference of turf on athlete’s performance.

The field should help with the school’s budget because this kind of turf requires little to no upkeep costs after installation.

The turf will be debuted next football season and excitement is mounting.