All of Curtis’ outdoor athletic teams share one large synthetic turf field, a unique setup on Staten Island. Football, soccer, lacrosse, baseball, and softball all share the same field, which creates a fantastic feeling of unity and cooperation between programs. Each year, Athletic Director Mr. Eric Ritzer meets with all the coaches to decide on a rotating schedule that gives everybody equal access. Each team is entitled to at least two full-field practices weekly, and coaches don’t compete against each other. “All the spring coaches help each other out,” said boys varsity football and boys varsity lacrosse coach Mr. Charlie Packowski. There is flexibility: teams practice late, especially in the initial season, and the field lights make this possible.
However, having only one field is not without its challenges. Although there is a quarter-mile track, the field is much smaller than what would fit inside the track oval because the track actually runs under part of the cafeteria addition. Additionally, home games will often require the shifting or limiting of practice, and the field’s many intersecting lines—football, soccer, lacrosse—can be confusing. Baseball and softball require additional setup, such as the creation of pitching mounds and bases for each game. Despite these challenges, the coaching staff continues to be effective, and teams work around the schedule with cooperation and patience. Shared, multi-sport facilities mean organization is needed, but the organization fosters a greater sense of unity between teams.
There are lesser-used facilities at Curtis too, like the handball courts behind the school and many others that students are not even aware of. There is one sport, however, that cannot be played on campus—tennis. Both tennis teams have to venture out to Walker Park for practice and games because there are no courts at school. Other than this, Curtis stands out with its all-under-one-roof facility when compared to other Staten Island high schools. It’s size and takes a little more coordination, but overall it enables student athletes to train and compete as one.
