Menu
South Putnam rededicates new turf field to Mark Wildman
As if opening the season at home as the No. 1 team in Class A wasn’t enough for the South Putnam Eagles, the events surrounding their Friday matchup with Speedway had a little extra juice.
The contest — ultimately a 28-20 Eagle victory over the Sparkplugs — was the very first game to be played on the Eagles’ new artificial turf surface, an event commemorated prior to the game not only with an official unveiling and ribbon cutting, but also with the rededication of the field to longtime coach Mark Wildman.
The field was originally dedicated as “Mark Wildman Field” in 2012, seven years after Wildman — winner of eight sectionals, six regionals, two semistates and a 1986 IHSAA state championship — coached his last game for the Eagles.
With players from throughout his tenure as well as before and after, Friday was a fitting time to rededicate the new field in his honor.
Retired South Putnam principal, athletic director, coach, teacher and 1976 graduate Kieth Puckett gave a few comments honoring Wildman and his legacy.
That legacy, Puckett noted, extends well beyond the man himself. Puckett quoted a 2012 Banner Graphic article in which he differentiated between the accomplishments of his teams and the field being named in his honor.
“If I’m in the hallway and I see trophies, I think of all of these players out here that helped us win those trophies,” Wildman said. “But when I look at the field, I think of everybody that was involved. I think our parents, our community, our school and especially the Quarterback Club that has had so much to do with the field.
“They’ve had a lot of pride in it and so I think that’s one thing that gives me a lot of pride for this honor is because our field has always been a special place for South Putnam.”
So it was Friday, with Wildman sharing the honor not only with multiple generations of Eagle players, but also wife June and his daughters.
“For their part, Mark’s family wants us to remember that this field is not ‘Mark’s,’ but instead belongs to all of those who poured their blood, sweat and tears into South Putnam football before, during and beyond his tenure as coach,” Puckett said. “All the players, coaches, parents, fans, administrators and community are a part of this field’s legacy.”
Earlier in the evening, current South Putnam Principal Tona Gardner also spoke of how the field honors the community, not simply Wildman.
“I want to thank all of you and the generations of people who have attended, served and loved this school district,” Gardner said. “It is thanks to God’s hands and people’s vision, determination and care that we are here today, standing on Mark Wildman Field at South Putnam in the heart of Putnam County.
“It was a privilege to work with Mark Wildman,” she continued. “He is a great coach and an even better man. I am proud to welcome him back to his field. I am also proud to welcome back former players and coaches who have helped build our winning program.”
Opening the program prior to the ribbon cutting, Supt. Corey Smith thanked many parties involved, including the school board, architecture firm Fanning Howey, construction manager MKS, owner’s representative EES, administrators, Director of Maintenance Jared Hutcheson and a number of others.
Some of Smith’s most pointed words were for the current coaches who endured a summer of transition in order to get to this point.
“I also want to acknowledge our coaches for their significant contributions to the design process and for their flexibility throughout the summer as the project transitioned from design to construction,” Smith said. “Your input ensured that this facility meets the needs of our athletes, and your patience during the construction phase has not gone unnoticed.”
Smith also noted the support of the students and community.
“This project was truly a team effort, and it’s something we can all take pride in,” Smith said. “The new field and track are not just for today’s athletes but for generations to come.”
Gardner echoed these comments, reflecting on conversations between herself, husband Brian (a guidance counselor and coach) and athletic director Troy Burgess.
“This moment at South Putnam feels like the realization of so many dreams,” Gardner said. “South Putnam is strong. We have intelligent, dedicated teachers and administrators, hard-working students and an amazing school board and superintendent who are builders and creative problem solvers. Our facility is upgraded and growing. Our community is supportive and loving. It is a phenomenal time. Most importantly, South Putnam continues our traditions of success as we innovate for the future. Our school maintains the heart and character that you all expect. It continues to be a place that is built with hard work and love.”