In an era where artificial turf often replaces traditional grass fields, Salem Community High School has taken a bold stand, preserving and elevating its natural football field to a level that rivals professional-grade turf. Thanks to the dedication of a hardworking team—Doug Telford, Tony Dial, Tracy Richie, Tom Thomason, and Julie Kohrig—Salem’s football field isn’t just a point of pride for the school but also a national standout, earning a spot on Pioneer Athletics’ prestigious calendar for 2025.

“This is more than just a field—it’s a reflection of our community’s pride and commitment,” says Doug Telford, Salem’s outdoor maintenance lead. For years, Doug and his team have poured countless hours into transforming the field into a pristine surface that feels “like walking on a carpet,” as he describes it.

The journey began with a simple challenge: make the field not just functional but extraordinary. “Dr. D asked us to restore some pride to the field,” says Tony Dial, who handles the intricate painting and design work. “That’s all we needed to hear. It became a matter of passion and teamwork.”

Salem’s team works year-round to keep the field in top condition. From meticulously scheduling fertilization and irrigation to managing a precise mowing routine, Doug oversees a program that rivals professional turf management. “This isn’t just about throwing down some fertilizer,” he explains. “We follow a strict calendar, monitor soil conditions, and even guard the field against misuse. It’s a labor of love.”

That love is evident in every detail. During game weeks, the team comes together to paint intricate designs on the field, including the Wildcats logo and custom elements for special events. Tony is often the creative force behind these designs, collaborating with Julie, who creates stencils and templates using a mix of artistic skill and trial-and-error scaling.

“It’s definitely a group effort,” says Tracy Richie, a long-time custodian for the district. “Tony comes up with ideas, Julie brings them to life, and we all pitch in to make it happen. It’s incredible to see how everything comes together.”

One standout moment came during the 2023 Shrine Game, a local tradition celebrating its 75th year. The team added a custom Shriner’s fez hat design to the field, funded by Salem’s Shriners Club. “Seeing the Shriners take pictures on the field with the design was priceless,” Doug recalls. “It’s moments like that that make all the effort worthwhile.”

The field’s transformation hasn’t gone unnoticed. Pioneer Athletics, a leader in sports turf and field supplies, recognized Salem’s efforts, naming the field one of the top 12 in the nation for its 2025 calendar. This honor places Salem in the national spotlight, a testament to the team’s dedication and the community’s support.

“It’s a huge deal for us,” Doug says. “We’ve worked hard to make this field something special—not just for our players but for everyone who visits. To have that effort recognized on a national level is incredibly rewarding.”

Despite the accolades, maintaining a grass field comes with challenges. Weather can be a constant hurdle, with rain or frost threatening to derail meticulous preparations. “We’re always watching the forecast,” Doug says. “Ideally, we’d finish the field on Friday, but sometimes we have to adjust to keep everything looking fresh.”

Another challenge is the natural wear and tear from games. “It’s tough seeing all the work you put into the field get scuffed up during a game,” Tony admits. “But when the players take care of it—filling divots, walking barefoot during walkthroughs—it shows they take pride in it too. That makes it all worth it.”

The team’s efforts extend beyond aesthetics. By preserving a natural grass field, Salem Community High School upholds a tradition that resonates deeply with players, fans, and alumni. “There’s something special about playing on grass,” says Doug. “It connects us to the roots of the game.”

As Salem’s football field continues to shine, the team behind it remains focused on their shared mission. “This is about more than just a field,” Tracy says. “It’s about showing our community what pride and teamwork can accomplish.”

For the Wildcats and their community, the field isn’t just a place to play—it’s a symbol of dedication, tradition, and excellence, nurtured by a team that understands the power of pride.