The Gators are calling a different field their home this season
By Tyah Davis
In case you haven’t heard, Captain Shreve’s football team is not allowed to play on their home field, Lee Hedges Stadium, this season due to the fact that asbestos was found during summer renovations at the stadium. This news caused a big headache for the team, but luckily they be in a temporary home for the 23-24 season. Shreveport’s beloved Independence Stadium will now host all of Captain Shreve’s home games.
Honoring Coach Lee Hedges
Prior to the new school year, Shreve sadly faced the loss of the legendary coach Lee Hedges. With the incredible work Hedges did for Captain Shreve and other teams in Shreveport, he was honored by having the stadium on the Shreve campus renamed in his honor. Before finding out the news of not being able to have games at the stadium, head coach Adam Kirby decided to make a remarkable change for his team.
“We were really hoping to be able to play on the field this year before the news came out. I decided to change the logo on the team’s helmets to his initials. He was a really great guy and the things he did for Shreve were wonderful. For us to wear the helmets and play on his field for this season after his death would have been very nice, but no matter where we play we will still continue to honor him.”
Preparing for the season
The Captain Shreve football team is hyped for this upcoming season. Even though they won’t be on their familiar home field, they are still prepared to play.
“I’ve been having them practice every day of the summer at six in the morning with no breaks except on Wednesdays,” said Coach Kirby, “As of right now I still feel as if they need a little more practice before the season starts. I think by their first game they’ll be in game mode.”
Greg Webb, a senior Defensive End, agrees with Kirby’s way of helping the team out, especially since he had surgery in the off-season.
“Coming off an injury it’s really difficult, but Coach Kirby is making sure I do a lot of rehab trying to shake back and be even better. I’m really ready for this season even though it’s a lot of changes. With Coach Kirby having us practice so much my teammates and I are very prepared.” Webb said.
Gator spirit will prevail
Captain Shreve is known for their famous student section at Lee Hedges. They always go above and beyond whenever it is time to support their team. Landen Lee, a senior linebacker, stated, “That’s what I really like about our support system. No matter where we play they’re always there to support us and that’s all that matters.”
Although many fans are devastated about the change of scenery, wherever the Gators’ go, spirit will follow.