Field of dream about to come true for Archbishop Murphy

EVERETT — This spring, Archbishop Murphy High School students will have an artificial turf field for the first time.

No longer will the students face a muddy, swampy mess during the rainy season.

The new field was a dream of iconic local coach football Terry Ennis, who died in 2007. The funding comes from an anonymous $730,000 donation made in Ennis’ memory, school spokeswoman Shannon McCann said. The ground-breaking ceremony is set for 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at Terry Ennis Stadium on campus. The artificial turf project is scheduled to wrap up in April, if the weather cooperates.

Ennis was a record-breaking coach and a Pacific Northwest Football Hall of Fame inductee. He died from cancer at 63. He had coached for 36 years, starting at Cascade High School in Everett. A 1962 graduate of Everett High School, Ennis had a career of 287 wins and three state titles.

School staff, students and families are expected to gather for Tuesday’s event, as well as a representative from the Ennis family, McCann said.

Each sports team that uses the field will have a leader present for the ceremony. That includes football, boys’ and girls’ soccer, and a new lacrosse program, McCann said.

For young men, Ennis was a motivational leader and “inspirational force,” said Roger Brodniak, an Archbishop social studies teacher who was an assistant coach for Ennis from 2000 to 2007.

Brodniak, now 40, also played high school football for Ennis at Cascade, he said. He gave up a job as an attorney to work for Ennis.

Ennis urged young people “to do the right thing at all times,” Brodniak said.

“A lot of little details usually added up to big success, so he wasn’t always talking about championships or winning, he talked about getting every little detail right, and that led to winning,” he said.

Ennis saw the school field as a place young people could be drawn to, where they could find opportunities and life lessons, Brodniak said.

The Wildcats logo will decorate the center of the new field.

Improved safety is the biggest benefit from adding the artificial turf, athletics director Erick Streelman said Friday. A muddy field poses a higher risk for twisted ankles and sprained knees.

The school often has to limit use of the field in rainy months, he said. The new turf also will be used for physical education classes, and as training space for other sports such as track and field.

“We’re really excited to be able to use it more and get more kids out there more often,” Streelman said. “Something like this would not be possible without our community. It has been so generous in making this happen. Our donors and the people who support us have been so generous and so giving in order to make this a reality.”

Stadium improvements over the past decade have included new lights, a press box, and bleachers. The most recent field update was new sod in 2009. The stadium seats about 700 people.

Rikki King: 425-339-3449; rking@heraldnet.com.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

Everett’s Alana Washington poses for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 Girls Basketball Player of the Year: Alana Washington

The Everett senior upped her game in the postseason to help the Seagulls overcome injuries and claim their first state trophy in 41 years.

Left to right, Arlington’s Samara Morrow, Kamiak’s Bella Hasan, Everett’s Alana Washington, Lake Steven’s Nisa Ellis, Lynnwood’s Aniya Hooker, and Meadowdale’s Gia Powell, pose for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 All-Area girls basketball teams

A look at the top prep girls basketball players in the area from the 2023-24 season.

Silvertips players celebrate during a game between the Everett Silvertips and Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024. The Silvertips won, 5-3. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Silvertips land No. 1 pick, chance to draft generational talent

Landon DuPont is the consensus top pick in next WHL prospects draft. Everett chief operating officer Zoran Rajcic said the team intends to select him.

Dennis Williams, head coach and GM of the Everett Silvertips, shakes hands with an assistant coach at the end of a season opening victory over the Vancouver Giants on Saturday, Sep. 24, 2022, at Angel of the Winds Arena in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Coach, GM Williams leaving Silvertips for Bowling Green State

After seven successful season leading Everett, Dennis Williams is heading back to his alma mater. He’ll stay with the Tips through the WHL playoffs.

University of Washington's new men's basketball coach Danny Sprinkle meets the news media, Wednesday, March 27, 2024 in Seattle. (Ken Lambert/The Seattle Times via AP)
Taking over at Washington personal for men’s basketball coach Sprinkle

Danny Sprinkle spoke about his connection to the school during his introductory press conference Wednesday.

Mountlake Terrace’s Jaxon Dubiel talks with head coach Nalin Sood during the 3A boys state basketball game against Todd Beamer on Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024 in Tacoma, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
‘It was just time’: Mountlake Terrace basketball coach Sood steps down

Nalin Sood guided his alma mater to 381 wins and 15 state berths in 24 seasons as head coach. He spent over four decades with the program.

Stanwood High School student athletes during their signing day ceremony. (Courtesy of Stanwood High School)
Local class of 2024 athletes who have signed to play in college

A running list of 2024 high school athletes who are set to compete at the next level.

X
Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26

Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Silvertips’ Kaden Hammell (47) enters the rink during a game between the Everett Silvertips and the Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Patterson: Overachieving Silvertips had season worth celebrating

In a season when some thought the team’s playoff streak could end, Everett put together one of its greatest campaigns.

Washington State athletic director Pat Chun, center, watches players on the first day of NCAA college football practice, Friday, Aug. 6, 2021, in Pullman, Wash. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
Washington hires AD Chun away from rival Washington State

UW quickly targeted its in-state rival’s athletic director after Troy Dannen’s sudden departure.

Seattle Mariners' Mitch Haniger hits a single against the San Diego Padres during the fourth inning of a spring training baseball game Monday, March 11, 2024, in Peoria, Ariz. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
Why the Mariners could win the AL West, and what could hold them back

Starting pitching, a renovated offense and regression in the AL West are in Seattle’s favor, but injury issues, bullpen concerns and the Houston Astros could be a problem.

X
Vote for The Herald’s Prep Athlete of the Week for March 18-24

The Athlete of the Week nominees for March 18-24. Voting closes at… Continue reading

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.