Imagine a state-of-the-art track where athletes can break records, a fully-equipped weight room designed for peak performance, and fields that rival some of the best in the region. Walla Walla High School is stepping into the future of athletics, with new facilities that promise to elevate student-athletes to new heights. Let’s dive into what these upgrades mean for the school, the community, and the future of sports in Walla Walla. The recent upgrades to the athletic facilities at our school are not just changing the landscape—they’re transforming the experience for both athletes and the entire school community. From new lights to enhanced training spaces, these improvements are driving excitement, fostering teamwork, and enhancing performance across a variety of sports. Here’s a closer look at how the new amenities are making a difference.

More Opportunities for Athletes with New Lighting

One of the most noticeable changes has been the installation of new field lights, which has already had a significant impact on the school’s sports programs. Justin James, head football coach of the Walla Walla Blue Devils Football Program, said that the increased lighting opportunities have meant more practice time for athletes. “Lighting opened up a lot of practice opportunities for us and allowed us to schedule multiple practices. It helps us get out of the heat during the summer and gives the kids the same feeling of playing under the lights. If you’ve had the opportunity to play under the lights, you know it’s a different feeling,” he shared.

The excitement isn’t just about practice; it’s also about game nights. Senior athlete Carter Shivell, player for the Walla Walla Blue Devil football program, expressed how playing under the lights brings an exciting atmosphere to the games: “It’s cool to play under the lights. It gives us the experience of playing under Friday night lights, and the LED lights are great.”

The ability to host evening games and practices has already contributed to larger crowds and more enthusiastic fan support. As the program continues to grow, this energy and sense of community will only increase.

Facilities Set to Expand Further

Looking ahead, more improvements are on the horizon. “Next spring, if things go as planned, bleachers will be installed on Blue Devil Field, providing seating for boys’ soccer and track and field events,” explained Ferenz, the Athletic Director for Walla Walla High School. For now, the new track should be completed in the coming months, though the ongoing construction on Trident Field means that there will be some limitations on contests for the fall season. “The lights are taking a little longer, but we are on schedule as the construction progresses,” he added.

The Weight Room: A Foundation for Success

The school’s new weight room has also become a key component of athletic success. According to head football coach, Justin James, the weight room is the foundation of the team’s success. “We came in with a plan to utilize it, and it’s an amazing facility that’s really helping us be successful on the field. We use it daily, and we’ve seen a drop in injuries and an increase in strength, which leads to success,” he stated.

Shivell agrees, noting that the new weight room is helping athletes further and expand their success. “With the weight room, we athletes are getting stronger and faster, and those aspects help us compete better against Tri-City and GSL schools.”

Ferenz expressed his pride in the commitment the athletes and coaches have shown to using the weight room year-round. “I love it! It reflects how hard our kids and coaches are working to compete at a high level. We’re in one of the toughest leagues in the state, and the culture of strength and conditioning is growing because everyone is invested in putting in the time and effort,” he profused.

Boosting School Spirit and Community Support

The new facilities are not only helping athletes improve their performance, but also fostering a sense of pride within the student body. “Having new facilities brings a sense of urgency to get better,” Shivell stated. “It’ll bring more people out to play, and for the athletic programs, it’s about having comfortable, high-quality spaces. It’ll make a big difference, especially with a full-sized locker room, which gives us the same experience as other schools. The community is behind us, and that support is crucial for this project.”

The excitement surrounding the new facilities has already contributed to greater participation in fall sports. James noted the increased student involvement this year compared to last year. “The number of kids playing fall sports is much greater than last year, and that’s part of the work we’ve been doing over the summer.”

A Bright Future Ahead

With these new facilities and ongoing improvements, the school’s athletic program is in a strong position to continue building success. The new lighting, weight room, and soon-to-be completed track and bleachers all contribute to an atmosphere of growth and enthusiasm. As athletes and coaches continue to take advantage of these upgrades, there’s a palpable sense that the program is on the rise.

“The excitement around these upgrades is infectious,” Ferenz said. “It’s all coming together, and it’s very exciting to see our kids thriving in these new spaces. It’s a new era for our sports programs, and the best is yet to come.”

As the school community continues to rally behind the athletes and their hard work, it’s clear that these new facilities are more than just physical upgrades—they’re a reflection of the dedication, pride, and spirit that will drive the team to even greater heights