WELLSVILLE – A track and an artificial turf field could be coming to Nicholson Stadium.

That was the word Monday night as Wellsville school officials discussed the possibility of both projects.

Superintendent Richard Bereschik, during last night’s school board meeting, announced the district is in the early stages of consideration of both installing a new all-weather track and replacing the grass field with turf at the stadium, located on Commerce Street, which hosts the Wellsville football and soccer teams.

Insisting the possibility is there, Bereschik said the district has been working with its legal counsel to conduct a feasibility study that would allow the district to realize both stadium projects.

“We met on Friday with a representative from a company, and (Treasurer Bob) Barrett and I have discussed it, and in more detail, the feasibility of doing both of these,” Bereschik said. “I think it can be done, but we’ll take a closer look and speak with the finance committee on that.”

Should the project go forward, it would give the school district and its track and field teams a facility it actually can utilize – the stadium’s track currently consists of gravel, which is not suitable for meets and has resulted in the Tigers using other tracks, including at East Liverpool.

Board president Gary Althiser said the track is needed, adding the sport is the second-most participated sport at the high school.

“I know personally, perhaps the most commented-on thing in this district to me has been the track,” Althiser said. “At least in the last year-and-a-half or so, and I know we’ve never had one here, and so I think it’s about time. I think it’s way overdue to be honest with you.”

“The possibility of getting a track and a (turf) field, I know a lot of people has been asking for, that would help our kids to get an actual track,” board member Rick Salsberry said. “We have one of the fastest runners in the state of Ohio, and I think that’s another plus for our students.”

Althiser also mentioned the track would provide a benefit to residents who want to walk or take laps.

“Mr. Bereschik and I talked, and we want the community to be able to use this as well during regular business hours,” Althiser said. “If the community members want to use the track to exercise, they can come. I’m great that we’re able to do that.”

Bereschik added that as long as the track had six lanes, the school district could host track meets, something it now cannot do.

As for a turf field, should plans proceed, it would make Wellsville only the fourth school district in Columbiana County to utilize such a playing field. East Palestine, Southern and Salem have turf fields.

Bereschik said the district is considering using some of the advance funds received through Advanced Power – through the district’s agreement regarding construction of the South Field Energy gas-powered electric plant on Hibbetts Mill Road in Yellow Creek Township – as a way to fund the projects.

“We can still be able to provide for our students academically as well as athletically,” Bereschik said. “We can get a good balance out of it.”

Bereschik said the board may consider a resolution to form a committee regarding the track and turf endeavors at its next regular meeting, scheduled 6:30 p.m. Nov. 19 at Wellsville High School on Bengal Boulevard.

In other improvement matters, Bereschik reported work on the district’s green area behind the high school – serving as a practice field for the soccer, baseball and softball teams and marching bands – is completed. A new fence had also been installed at that area, he said.