H.D. Woodson's $3 million field and facility upgrades are a "full-circle moment"
For former Washington receiver and H.D. Woodson alum Josh Morgan, the completion of his alma mater's brand-new athletic field and upgraded stadium facility wasn't only an investment in the future of the community.
It was a "full-circle moment."
"I was going through a lot when I was here," Morgan said. "I didn't have a home to go home to. I didn't have my own bed. I didn't have a shower. I was leaving here worried about what I was going to eat at night."
These upgraded facilities give future athletes a better path to success, made possible by the Commanders, District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS) and DC Department of General Services (DGS).
The $3 million project is highlighted by a new synthetic turf and a resurfaced running track. A new scoreboard and sound system were also installed, along with upgrades to the press box, locker rooms and public restrooms.
"If I would have played on a field this nice, I probably wouldn't have had such a hard journey with football," Morgan said. "They probably would have just seen me on the field, scored a touchdown and thought I was the best football player ever created."
Morgan described some of his toughest times as a Warrior but emphasized the importance of the full-circle moment.
"To make it out of here and to be able to do what I did, it's truly special. And it was also special to come back, return the favor."
Other prominent DC figures celebrated the upgraded athletic facility with a press conference, a ribbon-cutting ceremony and a flag football clinic.
"Student athletes are better students," DC Mayor Muriel Bowser said. "Being an athlete supports being a better student, so the two go hand in hand. It is really important that as a system, we never forget that. That's why we have invested in this facility here."
Commanders team president Mark Clouse backed that sentiment: "This is a commitment for us, not just for today or tomorrow, but for the future."
"I will say, this looks like $3 million well spent," said Wendell Felder, Ward 7 Councilmember.
H.D. Woodson has struggled this season with a 0-8 record but believes that this upgrade will help rejuvenate an otherwise decorated program. It also provides added support behind its girls' flag football team.
"This field is home to H.D. Woodson's football team, one of the most decorated in D.C. history with 18 championships," DCPS Interim Chancellor Dr. Kim Jackson proclaimed. "And it's home to Woodson's flag football team, winner of four championships."
Current student athletes praised the upgrades. They were in the audience on Monday, along with students from Houston Elementary School.
"Very excited to play here on Friday nights, especially when the sun sets," Junior football player Aric Harris said. "Playing on this brand-new field one more time with my fellow seniors means so much to me. I'm really going to miss them as they go on to explore new things in their life."
The Warriors are slated to have their senior night against Ballou on Nov. 6.
"This spring, my teammates and I will get the chance to win one more championship," senior flag football player Tanganika Williams said.
Bowser pointed out how this facility will have an important impact on the flag football team.
"Let's do all that we can to support the Lady Warriors and all the girls who are interested in flag football and all of girls' sports," Bowser said.
These upgrades are an investment in the future of the community that will help student-athletes succeed.
"As a former student-athlete who competed nationally, I can especially appreciate knowing that my community was behind me," DGS Deputy Director of the Capital Construction Services Division Osei Headley said.
For the community, the moment is much bigger than simply upgraded facilities. It's a motivation for the future.
"I just want to see these kids make it," Morgan said. "I want to see these kids go be positive influences in the community. Why not try to be the most successful person in your community? Why not try to be one of the best people to ever graduate from H.D. Woodson?"
