The school year began with an exciting event that has been anticipated for many years; the installation of the Field Turf construction of the new addition to Stapleton field complex. Finally on September 18, the community was able to come together at the first varsity home game of the season to check out the field.
Gophers were going head to head with rival school Sam Barlow High School in the first home game of the season,everyone from Gresham-Barlow Superintendent Jim Schlachter to parents were in attendance on Fridays game. Not only to watch the game, but for the opening ceremony during halftime. Principal John Koch had a speech prepared to honor those who made the field possible.
Those who were honored were BLRB Architect Richard Higgins and Michael Harmel, Landscape Architects Cameron McCarthy and Mathew Koehler, Bremik Construction Mike Greensdale and Bob Trapa, TCM Northwest TerryRay Thompson, JW Underground John Winters and Jason Alley, GHS Spirit Club Kim Downey and Sally Palmiter, GHS Associated Student Body officers Maddie Huff and Chloe Melton and Gresham Youth Football Association Mike Snow. Schlachter awarded them with a plaque for their great cooperation towards the completion of the field.
Varsity football team did not take the win that night against the Bruins, ending the game with a score of 12-36. Students, parents, and teachers were cheering on the team at all times.
At the game, students were also able to walk under a tent and see the changes that the bond would bring. Students and community members were also able to write suggestions on what they wanted to see change to better the school. This allowed for more communication with the community to express what the new bond would bring to the school
