For the first time in Independence football history, the varsity football team at Truman High School will play their home opener at home.
The school now has a home stadium with bleachers, a press box, concessions and a turf field. In all, it cost $2.7 million to construct.
“I really take a lot of pride in it because it’s finally something that we can you know hold onto and we can own up to,” said senior football player Maddox Dockins.
“Now it feels like we are more of a part of Truman now that we are playing at our home field,” said senior football player TJ Scott.
Since the school opened its doors in 1964, it has not had a football field to play home games. That means the school was constantly forced to play away games.
Athletic Director Eric Holm played football for Truman when he was growing up and said it’s all come together in full circle.
“We talk about waiting a lifetime for something and it truly is. I’m 56 years old. I played here. The school is 52 years old and no one has ever played here so the opportunity to play here is something that everybody has been waiting for for a long time,” said Holm.
On Friday night, Truman will play against their rivals William Christman. The stands will be lined with football coaches from years past. County music star Jason Prichett, who graduated from Truman in 1999, will be singing the national anthem.
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Ali Hoxie can be reached at ali.hoxie@kshb.com
