By VINCE REMBULAT 

The Bulletin

The newly-renovated Weston Ranch High stadium is one that will greatly benefit the community.

Principal Troy Fast proudly proclaimed at Friday’s ribbon-cutting event that occurred at halftime of the Cougars’ non-league game against another Stockton school, Franklin

It was a cause for celebration in so many areas.

For starters, Weston Ranch came away with an 18-0 victory over the Yellowjackets.

But prior to that was the recognition by school officials to those who helped make this dream of turning  once hazardous field into one of the area’s top athletic venues.

Fast paid special tribute to Manteca Unified school board members Eric Duncan and Bob Wallace along with MUSD Director of Facilities & Operation Aaron Bowers and Construction/Energy Technician Jeff McLarty.

 Duncan, in particular, was thrilled to see this dream become a reality.

“I’ve been waiting a long time for this to happen,” he said, recalling when his own son, Erron, sustained injuries from gopher holes from the old playing field.

Eric Duncan, who is vice president of the school board and a longtime coach in the Weston Ranch area, added: “More importantly, the kids are excited about the stadium.”

The work was largely orchestrated by F&H Construction, with Benyon Sports installing the new all-weather track in Weston Ranch’s school colors. Fast thanked Bowers for making the part possible.

The remodel consisted of the all-new natural turf field, new irrigation and goal posts, and some re-configuring of the stadium to include the shot put / discus cage, and upgrades along the paths of travel and restrooms to enhance accessibility.

The special event also included MUSD Superintendent Clark Burke, Deputy Superintendent Roger Goatcher, Director of Secondary Education and former Weston Ranch principal Clara Schmiedt, and the MUSD school board, to name a few.

“The work here would not have happened without the school board’s approval and support,” said Fast.