BARNESVILLE – Shamrock Stadium hosted its first football game in 1935.

More than 80 years later, not only has it withstood the test of time, but the home to Barnesville High football has now become a national award-winner.

Shamrock Stadium has been tagged as the 2015 Field of Excellence. The honor was bestowed by Pioneer Athletics.

Barnesville’s scenic facility was selected from more than 250 nominees nationwide. The award honors not only outstanding athletic fields, but also to the dedicated crews that meticulously maintain them.

“We are very proud of the award and want to thank everyone that worked to make it possible, especially The Barnesville Goaliners. They have volunteered countless hours and donated thousands of dollars over the past several years, assisting our staff in achieving this award. We are extremely grateful for their support,” District Superintendent Randy Lucas said. “Thanks also go out to the Barnesville staff: director of Buildings & Grounds, groundskeepers and maintenance and custodians.”

Colleges, universities, high schools and recreation departments submitted application packages to Pioneer Athletics. The packages included photographs, letters of recommendations and a detailed report on athletic field maintenance.

“Our field products representative, Bob Larkins from Pioneer Athletics, informed John Blattler, our director of Buildings & Grounds, of the availability of this award program and possible student scholarship,” Lucas said. “Mr. Blattler submitted an on-line application to be considered for the award. He also worked with Scott Hagan, (the Barn Artist), to obtain aerial pictures of Shamrock Stadium. The photos and an essay were included with the application.”

Barnesville Athletic Director Mark Cook notes the Goaliners came into existence five years ago, and the field has undergone some major upgrades during that time span.

The improvements included:

• Drainage system installed to the game field;

• Irrigation systems installed on the game field and practice field;

• The topsoil was taken off the parking lots and put on the game field and practice field to level both fields. (Equipment and labor were donated by (Apprentice Engineering Union Local 18);

• New sod was applied to the game field;

“The athletic department began an annual maintenance agreement with Ohio Valley Athletic Fields and Jeff Benton for six applications of seeding and fertilizing per year on the game and practice fields,” Cook said. “Twice a year the Goaliners will do deep-timing aeration; core aeration; top seeding; top-dressing; and drag the game and practice fields.”

Cook added that the Barnesville Schools maintenance department – primarily Blattler and Jim Brown – handle the daily upkeep of mowing and painting the fields.

BUBBA’S BITS

CONGRATULATIONS GO out to the St. Clairsville High cheerleaders for recently winning their fourth straight state championship.

DON’T LOOK now but prep spring sports get under way this week in West Virginia.

THESE ARE good times for former St. John Central two-time all-state hoopster Michelle Bielanski Filander. She guided Austin College to the co-title in the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference. The Kangaroos finished with an 11-3 league mark and an overall record of 17-7. On April 1, Michelle will be inducted into the District 12 Basketball Hall of Fame at ceremonies at Buckeye Trail High School.

IF THE Cleveland Browns weren’t bad enough, the Brownies lost four key players in free agency. The only positive was the club cutting ties with Johnny Manziel.

CONGRATULATIONS GO out to River High’s hoop star Jensen Caretti for being named Ms. Basketball in Ohio. That is a monster achievement, especially considering she plays for a Division IV school. Moreover, she is the first OVAC girl ever to win the prestigious award.

KUDOS ALSO go out to Shadyside’s Greg Quinn and Martins Ferry’s Dalton Hoover for their tremendous efforts this season. Both finish as state runners-up last week. Both are also OVAC champions.