Maranatha Christian Schools are staying cool this summer becoming the first sports complex in San Diego to use Hellas’ GEO Plus™ Infill, which can reduce surface temperatures up to 40 degrees Fahrenheit cooler than traditional crumb rubber infill. With safety as a priority, the Eagles’ new Matrix®Turf football field is installed with a Cushdrain® shock pad. The result is a softer impact for the athletes, which helps reduce concussions. The drainage of the field of is also improved keeping athletes on the field for more practice and game time.
“We are proud to be the first school in San Diego to install GEO Plus Infill in our turf fields that do not compromise in playability for high-end athletes or the safety of our students,” says Maranatha Christian Schools Superintendent, Jess Hetherington. GEO Plus Infill is made from natural coconut fibers and cork, which is an effective alternative to rubber. Watering is required, but the GEO Plus Infill needs only 10% of what natural grass fields require improving water conservation, saving money and practice time.
“The days of melting cleats and crumb rubber concerns will not be seen or heard here at MCS,” Hetherington said. The $3.5 million-dollar multi-sport athletic fields project at Maranatha Christian Schools will include two new multi-use athletic fields, a girls’ softball field, a renovated baseball field, new sprint track lanes, and a jump pit for track & field athletes. The schools’ baseball and softball fields will be made of Major Play™ Premium turf, which is the longest lasting and best performing turf system available.
Maranatha’s renovated soccer field is also getting an upgrade with Hellas’ Matrix REAL M™ with a GMAX drain designed for better drainage and a softer impact as well. “The completion of this multi-use field project will be a game-changer for the Athletic Program,” Steve Whitley, Maranatha Christian Schools Athletic Director, said. “These fields will make a tremendous impact to the 4S Ranch, Rancho Bernardo, and Rancho Santa Fe communities.”
Officials at Maranatha have also chosen Matrix with Helix technology, which is the same turf system used by the Dallas Cowboys and Houston Texans. The Helix feature consists of shape memory technology that is added during the manufacturing process, allowing each fiber to curl in order to secure the infill. The curled monofilament fibers in Maranatha’s new turf will give the Eagles a uniform, aesthetically pleasing playing surface. Helix curled fibers have a unique shape and design that makes it the most resilient, stable, and durable monofilament fiber in the market.
The Major Play turf being installed for the Eagles’ new baseball/softball fields featurehigh utilization, functionality, and performance during all seasons. A blended workhorse turf with two types of fibers, the turf’s configuration and weight of fibers are customized for each area of the field, guaranteeing true playing characteristics of natural grass. The monofilament and the slit-film fibers are manufactured with dual colors, creating dimension and the realistic look of natural grass.
Hellas Construction, Inc. headquartered in Austin, TX, is the largest vertically-integrated sports construction contractor in the United States, specializing in the general construction of sports facilities and sports surfaces. Hellas champions innovative artificial turf manufacturing, base construction, field, track and tennis planning, along with installation and maintenance. hellasconstruction.com
Maranatha Christian Schools(MCS) is a private Christian college preparatory school; serving Preschool through 12th grade. MCS is located in a picturesque setting west of Rancho Bernardo in the 4S Ranch/Del Sur Community. Founded in 1991 as a ministry of Maranatha Chapel, MCS’ stated vision is to provide students with an excellent educational experience that prepares them spiritually, academically and socially to step out into the world as ambassadors for Jesus Christ. maranathachristianschools.com
Dallas Cowboys headquartered at The Star in Frisco, TX, part of the NFL's NFC East Division. dallascowboys.com
Houston Texans headquartered in Houston, TX at NRG Stadium, part of the NFL's AFC South Division. houstontexans.com
