Athletes and teams face multiple sets of obstacles each season, such as redistricting, the weather, and tougher competition. To some student athletes, their parents, and their coaches, the athletic facilities at Potomac Falls High School have worn away and become a competitive disadvantage.

“We’ve only had two outdoor practices, and they were both at River Bend [Middle School], and even there the fields are bad. It’s hard to play,” said junior Spencer Garrett, a member of the boys’ varsity lacrosse team.

Even parents now view the facilities as disadvantages for their children, whether it impacts games or in season or offseason practices.

“Schools with turf have a total advantage because they can provide practice times both in season and offseason,” said Kim Curl, a member of the Athletic Booster Club.

“Since I’ve long been a parent at Potomac Falls, it was hard to ignore the deteriorating conditions and lack of attention we were receiving when other schools were receiving turf. Comments and complaints were plentiful,” said Curl.

After the issue of the facilities were brought to the attention of Curl and other parents of athletes in the Athletic Boosters Club, they decided to act. They convened at a Boosters meeting and discussed how more attention could be brought to the state of Potomac Falls’ waning athletic facilities. To organize the meeting, the Boosters reached out to elected representatives at the board of education and the Board of Supervisors.

The meeting was held in front of the Board of Supervisors along with Superintendent Dr. Eric Williams. In front of the Board and Dr. Williams, the Boosters and multiple student athletes, including juniors Everett Quirk, Jack Mologne, Kyle Hobbs, sophomores Kelsey Curl and Christian Tessman, and even eighth grader Mallory Pasco. Although no conclusions about funding for the facilities were made, the Panthers and Panther parents were heard.

“The budget process now has to run its course, but our voices were heard. The county facilities people came to review our concerns and the local papers have picked up the story,” said Curl.

The Boosters and student athletes are hoping that their efforts will be recognized in time for next year, giving teams a new competitive edge; playing on their own field.