WOODWARD — Head coach George Ashman had his Woodward-Granger football team on the practice field Monday when the ominous image of the oncoming storm began to appear on the western horizon.
Ashman said the team had just enough time to quickly run back to the school, where they took shelter in the wrestling building.
That appeared a wise decision, but when the power failed and winds in excess of 120 mph began buffeting the thin metal walls of the building, Ashman and his coaching staff began to wonder if they would emerge unscathed.
They did, and although the nearby school suffered roof damage and trees were felled around the neighborhood, the building housing the Hawk gridders came through it all undamaged.
Such was not the case on the east side of town, where Hawk Stadium received considerable damage. The press box roof was destroyed, a goal post twisted and — almost defying belief — the home bleachers were pivoted 90 degrees, and now stretch across the new track surface and well onto the gridiron.
Hawk players spent time helping clean and clear away debris, building team unity and aiding the community.
Ashman has said the team will likely continue to be a part of such efforts in Woodward and plan on continuing their morning practices this week.
