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Bacon Academy
Athletic Complex Presentation
February 13, 2024
Bacon Academy Campus History:
● Bacon Academy was built in 1993
○ 18 total teams, varsity and sub varsity
○ 405 students
○ One grass field with track
○ One grass baseball field
○ One grass softball field
○ Tennis courts
Current Bacon Academy:
● Enrollment of 600
○ Football was added in 1999
○ Girls and Boys Lacrosse was added in 2008
○ Athletic complex has not changed since 1993
Participation and Usage
507 students participate in athletics over the 3 seasons, with
many multiple season athletes
Spring 2023 - 194 athletes
Fall 2023 - 172 athletes
Winter 2024: - 141 athletes
Required maintenance for grass fields
Annual Field Maintenance Cost for Bacon Academy $35,883 per year
● 26 Weeks a year March 15th -June 15th and August 15th -November 15th.
The rate for each Crew member is $25/hour.
● Game Field Full Prep and Paint (5 times a year)
4 crew/ full day; $25x8 = $200 x 4 crew = $800 x 5 times annually = $ 4,000
● Weekly Mowing
2 crew/ full day; $25x8 = $200 x 2 = $400 x 26 weeks = $10,400
● Weekly Paint/ Touch up
2 crew/ half day; $25x4 = $100 x 2 = $200 x 26 weeks = $ 5,200
● Annual supplies (2023-2024) (Paint and Paint supplies) = $16,283
Implications on student play based on fields:
● 2012: Boys Soccer could not host the state tournament games. Due to field
conditions, the games were relocated to Eastern CT University.
● 2019: Girls Softball could not play a single game on campus due to field
conditions.
● 2019: Boys Lacrosse could only play 2 home games on campus due to field
conditions, rather than the normal 8 matches. BA needed to rent
Connecticut College for two state tournament games as a result.
● All spring sports are delayed to start at least 2-3 weeks each year due to
poor field conditions. At least 5-10 practice days are lost in fall and spring
seasons.
● Lacrosse and Football have rented space at $250 per hour at a facility in
Montville for early season practices.
Homecoming Game
October 21, 2023
Photos courtesy of Rachel
Blakely
Advantages of Turf Access
● Fewer weather related cancellations
● Eliminates wear and tear around high use areas of the
field
● Allows on time start to the season, regardless of
weather
● The ability to offer regularly schedule access to WJ
and youth teams
Benefit of Lights
● Extends the use of a field by 50%
● Later start time will help parent and community members
support student athletes
● Allows more facility use for youth leagues
● Allows us to comply with CIAC post season regulations
● Will allow us to provide a safe place for fitness activities at
times of day when daylight is shorter
● Complies with CIAC football safety regulations
● Accommodates football calendar in the late season
DRG D comparison
● 21 out of 26 schools in the DRG have turf field(s) - (81%)
○ New Milford and New Haven have 2 fields each
● 23 out of 26 schools have lighted fields
● The only other school without turf and without lights is East
Granby
Community Perspectives
Dave Shea, longtime teacher and coach:
I have had a long and rewarding coaching career at Bacon Academy. We have had many successful, hardworking teams
which we are very proud of, but I have seen very little improvement in our athletic facilities.
Our facilities and fields are near the poorest in the ECC and CIAC. It's an embarrassment to our students and parents.
Our fields are not up to 2024 standards. It is obvious Colchester needs to catch up. We have the leadership in place to
get the job done. Let the people vote! (tax payers)
Let's Do It!
Ron Wotus, Bacon Academy Class of 1979
Coach for the San Francisco Giants
“Providing a multipurpose turf baseball field with
lights at Bacon Academy would be a tremendous
asset for Bacon Academy and the Colchester
Community. It would allow the Bobcats to practice
and play in a variety of weather conditions that the
unpredictable New England weather provides in
late fall and early spring. Bacon Academy will gain
a multipurpose facility that can be used day and
night by varsity teams and local youth teams—thus
benefiting the entire Colchester community.”
Jeff Mathieu, Former Bacon Academy Principal
and Superintendent
“During my tenure on the CIAC Board of Control from 2004-2010, I can
honestly tell you that Bacon Academy Athletics is viewed around the
state as having the highest standard of quality programs with
numerous Conference and State Championships in various sports. The
program facilities certainty do not match the tremendous dedication
these young athletes deserve nor reflect the pride of the town of
Colchester. Field space has always been an issue in both the youth
leagues and on the interscholastic level. It is with the utmost urgency
this condition be addressed and acted upon.”
Ron Goldstein, former Board of Ed chair
“We’ve long recognized and discussed the need for improved
athletic fields and facilities. I remember attending meetings
back fifteen or more years ago, as students, coaches, parents
and community members were all advocating for a turf field and
lights. Since then, as our athletic programs have continued to
grow — and to achieve continuing successes! - the needs have
only intensified.”
Don Levine, Trustee of Old Bacon Academy,
retired CPS PE/Health teacher
“We need to improve, upgrade, and maintain our
facilities….It’s highly important to have available facilities
that we are proud of, that we can showcase as part of our
great community.”
Any Questions?