After an unconventional fall sports season, Utica students are still anxiously awaiting the conclusion of construction to Swinehart Field. Now, entering the 2025-26 spring season, athletes are still left without a home field. In an effort to keep the spirit of competition alive, teams are doing their best to persevere, even if it means becoming nomadic.  

“We don’t play any home games this year,” varsity boys’ lacrosse player senior Tate Tomatti said. “Not a lot of people are able to come because they’re actually pretty far.” 

In the past year that renovations have been active, sports that consistently require a home field have been pushed to other schools or moved to other parts of Utica’s campus. Doing this allows the teams to continue playing; however, inconsistency in practice formats can be difficult for players to get used to. 

“We have to practice on the backfield now, which is hard because there’s ditches and bumps everywhere,” varsity girls’ soccer player sophomore Clara Miller said. “The grass is just not good to play on and we’re not practicing well.” 

Despite the tribulations athletes have faced, some see the change as positive. The current practice and home game relocations are temporary, but the renovations being made to Swinehart Field are permanent. 

“I’m excited for the new layout and extra lanes at Swinehart,” varsity girls’ track and field runner junior Emma Brown said, “it gives more room to run.” 

The unfinished field has become both a symbol of frustration and excitement for Utica athletes, and as the season continues, they are trudging on and making the most if what they have. Until its completion, teams will continue adapting and altering what they’ve known as normal.