Grizzly fields open in Nokesville

Grizzly Fields

Hundreds of children, parents, volunteers and county leaders could not contain their excitement at the grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Grizzly Sports Complex at 10600 Determination Dr. in Nokesville on Aug. 19. In a culmination of the Gainesville-Haymarket Youth Football League “Field of Dreams” fundraising project, two beautiful new Shaw Sportexe synthetic turf fields were revealed to the onlookers, many of whom were clad in maroon, black and white.

Gary Skeens, Grizzly commissioner, started the ceremony, speaking from the middle of a new field, welcomed everyone when he said, “Good evening Grizzly Nation.” He introduced the Grizzly board of directors and Wally Covington, Prince William Board of County Supervisors, Brentsville District. Covington noted the teamwork it took to create the fields on their 16 acres and asked, “Are you ready for some football?”
Skeens thanked sponsors and contributors of time, money and ideas. The ceremony highlighted the history and dedication the people who made the fields a reality.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony included Skeens, Covington, other guests and youngsters; but not before Frank Surface, surprise guest and Grizzly founder, was lauded for his vision and dedication.

“You are the Grizzlies,” Skeens told Surface. Skeens said Surface’s “strong shoulders” supported the Grizzly organization as it was built. “We only had one choice for the first field to be named Surface Stadium.”
Surface said he simply loves football and “was at the right place at the right time.”

The right place for the Gainesville-Haymarket Youth Football League Grizzly Football is now on two perfect synthetic turf fields, one with checkered end zones and the other’s end zones spelling, “Grizzlies.” The head of a grizzly bear snarls at midfield.

Watch for the full story in an upcoming issue of the Bull Run Observer.