Sapulpa Public Schools

Athletics and Activities: Reimagined

 
*renderings for conceptual illustration only

Improvements are Needed to Support Students and Programs
The Chieftain Stronger Bond 2023 proposal would not only fund a new Sapulpa High School building, it would also fund improvements to athletics facilities, technology and equipment upgrades throughout the district, playground equipment and Junior High renovations.

Westside Sports Complex, where you can find Sapulpa Public Schools’ soccer fields and track facility, would be expanded to add an indoor baseball and softball facility, concession areas, and baseball and softball fields with artificial turf.

“Our facilities must be competitive,” said Johnny Bilby, SPS Assistant Superintendent. “Smaller districts than Sapulpa are upgrading to artificial turf. If we don’t have welcoming, updated facilities, parents can choose to send their children outside of our district.”

Under head coach Steve Irvine, Sapulpa Chieftains Baseball won the 5A Regional Championship in 2022 and 2023. The team made it to the State semi-finals in 2023.

"A new baseball facility will be a game changer for our back-to-back Regional Championship winning baseball program. A turf field will allow us to keep up with other top area baseball programs and avoid countless hours of field and facility maintenance where we can focus solely on bringing a State Championship product to the field," said Coach Irvine.

But, for decades, Sapulpa Chieftains Baseball has been playing on leased land from the city. Plumbing under and around the field cannot support crowds. Rain delays and cancellations due to mud and standing water on the grass are very frequent. The softball field is now located in a neighborhood area near Liberty Elementary. A central location with practice facilities and artificial turf would benefit our softball and baseball teams as they grow and improve.

Share The Success
 “You can never have enough gym space,” said Mr. Bilby. “These are gathering areas not only for student activities and athletics but venues that can be used by the community. Our Indian Education Department helps host a stomp dance in the fall, which attracts larger crowds each year. We could also simultaneously accommodate student and faculty activities, such as leadership programs or professional development.”

A perfect example is the Bucket Squad game, put on by the State Champion Sapulpa Lady Chieftains Basketball team last school year. During the Bucket Squad game, the student body gathered to cheer on and support our Special Chieftains in a basketball game with the Lady Chieftains. An auxiliary space would be the perfect place to host student events such as the Bucket Squad game.

Year over year, our Sapulpa High School Ping-Ping Dance Team has been named Multi-National Champions, and our varsity cheer squad took state in STUNT in 2023. Students come to Sapulpa for award-winning activities which go hand-in-hand with learning. Funding adequate practice space is a crucial part of this bond issue.

Create Community Connections
 Nice facilities attract state and even national tournaments, and that means dollars in our community. We host large tournaments at the Chieftain Center, and are often approached by organizations to host other community events.

“This is a comprehensive bond package,” said Rob Armstrong, SPS Superintendent. “It includes district-wide upgrades, new and improved athletic facilities, replacement of the entire transportation fleet, in addition to a new high school and a performing arts center. It’s no secret that great schools, and top-notch school facilities, generate community growth. We want our facilities to mirror the wonderful things going on in our classrooms.”

NOW is the Time
In addition to ongoing concerns at the baseball field, the building currently used by the Chieftains football team for locker rooms and coaches' offices is plagued by a leaky roof and inadequate space for our team, coaches, and athletic training. 

"The Sapulpa community is very supportive of our teams, showing up to games to cheer them on," said Mr. Armstrong. "Our facilities should enhance our programs and match the level of school spirit in our community."

Sapulpa Times: Chieftain Stronger, Part Four: Athletics

Keep checking sapulpaps.org/bond2023 where you will find the answers to Frequently Asked Questions and a list of proposed projects.

The bond election takes place on Tuesday, September 12.