Elk Grove (MPG) Nov. 10, 2023 – Walk by your neighborhood public high school in and around Elk Grove one evening soon and you’ll note something a bit different; the lights at the athletic field are on. After years of using just four stadiums (and Cosumnes River College) for post-sunset activities, the District decided a while back to light the on-campus football/soccer/track facilities at all nine of its comprehensive high schools.

About four years ago Elk Grove Unified School District decided all those schools should have an artificial surface football/soccer field and all-weather track, not just the stadiums at Monterey Trail, Elk Grove, Sheldon and Cosumnes Oaks High Schools. This meant everyone had the nice surface and track and field teams didn’t have to share the stadiums for practice and meets any more.

Now that the high schools have lights (average sundown being now 4:45 p.m.)

The lights are now on at Franklin High School’s on-campus athletic facility. All nine of the comprehensive high schools in the Elk Grove Unified School District now have lights installed at their football/soccer/track facilities.

  the soccer teams have flexibility on practice times and everyone can host their own games. Track and Field squads will be able to host their own meets and next fall all football teams will be able to practice outdoors well after sunset.

And, when EGUSD schools field flag football squads in 2024 don’t be surprised if those games will be played on campus. Just bring your own lawn chair.

Cook makes NFL debut

Last Sunday the Carolina Panthers dropped a 27-13 decision to Indianapolis and its record fell to 1-7. But, happy as all get-out was David Cook. His son, former Sheldon Huskie Alex Cook, made his NFL debut. The rookie got the start at strong safety for the Panthers and had seven tackles, one for a loss.

The younger Cook played his college ball at the University of Washington.

Henderson inducted into Cal HOF

Sheldon High School graduate Jolene Henderson, who went on to an All-American softball career at Cal, was enshrined Oct. 27 in Cal’s Hall of Fame. She was joined in the ceremony by Jerome Randle (men’s basketball), Devanei Hampton (women’s basketball), Doug Brien (football), Mike Epstein (baseball), Jana Jurivoca (women’s tennis), Barry Weiner (men’s gymnastics) and Carli Lloyd (women’s volleyball).

Henderson was named the Pac-12 pitcher of the year twice and was a four-time All-Pac 12 selection. She holds the program record for career wins (130), single-season wins (40) and single-season innings pitched (333.1).

Franklin’s Hu runner-up in Div.I tennis

And, we congratulate Franklin High School tennis player Aileena Hu who finished second last week in the Division I Sac-Joaquin Section championships. Hu is a two-time Delta League champion.