SAN DIEGO — Why does the 2022 CIF State Football Champions, San Diego’s Lincoln High School, not have a home field to play on?
The main answer to that question is underneath the field. Water damage, paired with wet weather over the last couple of years in San Diego has left the field in disrepair.
"Everyone that we've played has said, 'This field is horrible. It's horrible and it's not safe,'" said David Dunn, the head football coach for Abraham Lincoln High School.
"For us to not be able to have a track meet here for 7 years, that's a huge problem. The field should have been done four years ago. Now that it's pushed back further and further, we have a whole year of not using our field," he said.
Lincoln High School's field has been in disrepair for years. It’s barely usable by the athletes who, just last year received the Key to the City from Mayor Todd Gloria with a proclamation declaring May 23, 2023, Lincoln High School Football Day in the City of San Diego.
Dunn says there's serious water damage beneath the field that was discovered a few years ago that needs to be fixed. Dunn shared with CBS 8 that there was discussion about who would be responsible for fixing the issue.
"Who's going to pay for it? My deal is - this is about the kids,” Dunn said. “Let's get it fixed first and then figure out who needs to pay for it. But the problem shouldn't still be the same while we're arguing over who will fix it because I don't believe this would happen in the North County."
In the meantime, The Hornets practice at Logan Memorial Educational Campus and will play their home games 20 minutes away - that's with no traffic - in Chula Vista at Southwestern Community College's football field.
Coach Dunn says they're grateful for the workarounds but Lincoln’s student athletes need better support.
"We spent the last 4 or 5 years wondering why is our turf outdated? Why is it so terrible? Why does our field look the way it looks?,” Coach Dunn asked. “You can see it from here. The black beads are coming through. When everyone else is afforded 2 hours or 2 and a half hours of practice time, we must get what we get."
Coach Dunn says he and his team won't let this stop them. They're staying optimistic.
"We know that nothing comes easy. We know that we have to fight for everything that we want around here so it's a challenge. And we're willing to step up. We have no choice. We gotta do everything we can do to encourage our kids to not take a negative mindset to this."
CBS 8 reached out to the San Diego Unified School District for comment on this story. District officials say they are disappointed that the field is in such disrepair and aim to address the issue.
The district said in a statement to CBS 8,
"The Lincoln High School stadium field and track have unfortunately been impacted by significant subsurface groundwater intrusion, which may have been exacerbated by heavy rains last year. The field is currently closed for athletic play while repair projects take place.
The repair work will stabilize and improve the subgrade and soil conditions and provide new turf and track. This work is well underway as subsurface drainage has been diverted and soils beneath the track have been stabilized. The approximately $3M field and field subsurface replacement project is being designed and permitted through the Division of State Architect for construction starting in October. It is anticipated to be complete in time for the 2025 graduation season. While repair work continues, home games will be played at the stadium at Southwestern Community College while practices take place at the adjacent Porter field. "
Coach Dunn shared with CBS 8 that the Hornet’s partnered with LEMC to use their field for practice instead of Porter field.
Dunn is asking Lincoln High School alumni to consider making a $100 donation to help support the team. Alumni Marcus Allen made a significant contribution to the program, Dunn says, but The Hornets need all the help they can get.
To find the link for donations, click here.
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