Aquinas High Schools first home game filled with fans for the new football stadium

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF) – This is a new beginning for Aquinas High School this football season that not only players will enjoy.

Fans packed Aquinas High School’s new stadium for its first home football game after spending a year playing at Greenbrier.

“Our alumni, our friends, our fans, our students, and our players are absolutely overjoyed. This is going to be something special,” said Kaci Johnson, the Director of Advancement for Aquinas.

Four hundred fifty-one people and many volunteers helped make the stadium what it is today.

“It’s great for the team and the fans. I’ve only been a part of it for 15 years, but I know my wife’s sons played here, and now their sons play in it. So, it’s a great family tradition here,” said Steven Branch, a fan.

One fan played in the first game in the old stadium in 1977, and his two boys played at Aquinas as well. Now, he has been excited to watch the stadium transform and see the growth.

“I think the new stadium will give excitement and passion to the community, the fanbase, the students, the alumni, the parents. It is just going to put Aquinas on fire,” said Leland Malchow, a fan.

The new stadium, according to the people I spoke to, is only the beginning for Aquinas, and it will only bring more people to the school and games.

“Its going to do some much for the school. Its so great to have a first-class facility like this. It’s just the best. I’m so excited, and you can see everybody else is too,” said Ward Tyre, a fan.

Students at St. Mary’s were glad the games were back close to where they lived so they could go and support the team where they will transition to high school.

“Cause its kind of a big game since it’s the first game at the new field, and I’m excited to see if Aquinas wins,” said Clare Brigham, St. Mary’s student.

The fightin Irish are looking forward to what the new stadium and season will hold.

“I like that it’s a lot more people here because it’s a bigger field, so a lot more people are coming,” said Jane Fulton, St. Mary’s student.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJBF.