Sports are Ryan Stammen’s main drive for staying on top of her schoolwork. They keep her straight As from changing.
“Sports is such a huge part of who I am,” she said. “That’s all I do.”
Stammen is a senior at Eatonville High. She spends most of her days on the field, playing sports such as soccer, basketball, track and rugby. Her goal after high school is to play for an Ivy League university.
The field at 302 Mashell Ave. N. is where Stammen usually plays, but it is not in great condition. The field does not drain. Two years ago a soccer game got canceled halfway through because the field absorbed a lot of water, she said.
“The mud was crazy,” Stammen said.
The track surrounding the field also does not have enough rubber, making it hard on students’ knees. The track is over 25 years old. Superintendent Jay Brower said students tell him they’ve gotten shin splints from running on it.
Stammen hopes students will have a new field and track soon. Eatonville is one of five East Pierce County school districts with funding measures on the February special election ballot. Some have a strong track record of passing levies and bonds to fund education, programs and services and to fix outdated facilities and equipment. Others have struggled to get voters to approve funding in recent years.