LANDIS — South Rowan High School administrators worked as detectives this morning trying to figure out who vandalized their football stadium Sunday night.
The stadium sustained $5,000 to $10,000 damage after suspects broke into the garage, stole an all-terrain, maintenance vehicle and rode it around on the stadium grass.
“This kind of vandalism is really disappointing,” said Dr. Alan King, South’s principal .
Using the all-terrain vehicle, the suspects made ruts in the field and spray-painted around the stadium.
The vandals also cut soccer nets, broke sideline tables and turned over garbage cans.
“Just a big mess,” King said.
School Resource Officer Leigh Brown investigated this morning while technology teacher Keith Sutton reviewed footage from one of the school’s 32 video cameras.
The school installed the new camera system recently.
Part of the footage revealed that early this morning, a white pickup with an extended cab was driving around the school parking lot.
Sutton was working this morning to get an image of the license plate. School officials are not sure if the truck was involved in the vandalism.
King said he is optimistic about catching the individuals responsible. He said the surveillance cameras make that a strong possibility.
Police Chief Charles Childers said the vehicle was crashed through a gate, allowing entrance to the stadium. A large rack used to display advertising flags was also destroyed.
Childers said a large “K,” in green paint, the symbol of A.L.Brown High School was painted on the seat of the vehicle.
But Childers said the vandal or vandals may have just as likely been students from South or another school, and simply trying to point the finger in the wrong direction.
Childers asked that anyone who may have information to contact the police department at 704-857-2129.
He vowed that who ever is responsible will be prosecuted.
Although the damage is significant, King is confident it will be repaired in time for the jayvee game Thursday.
King noted that Landis’ current watering ban had prevented the school from keeping the turf in optimum shape and prevent the school from getting it back in shape.
A football stadium is a source of community and school pride, King said. That’s why vandals target such facilities.
Contact Jillian McCartney at 704-797-4253 or Jessie Burchette at 704-797-4254.
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