Opening day at Barrett Fields was more than just a game day; it was the realization of a decades-long dream. It was a proud moment when the Frogs took to their new home turf for the first time, marking a historic chapter for Maret athletics.

Frog Fans Converge
The atmosphere was electric as fans lined every side of the field to cheer on the football team in their inaugural game against Allegany High. Maret spirit was on full display across all divisions. Upper schoolers, led by the Booster Club, gathered by the home team bench to protect the pond. Middle schoolers sat atop the walls to watch endzone play close-up. And, after getting their faces painted and decking themselves out in green and white, lower schoolers added their voices to the swelling cheers.

The festivities, organized by the Maret Parents Association (MPA), featured a bake sale, food trucks, and plenty of spirit gear. Whether it was alumni reconnecting or neighbors touring the new facility, the sense of community pride was palpable.

Against the Odds
While the celebration seemed to go off without a hitch, hosting Homecoming on the new fields this fall was not a sure thing. It took nearly 40 years for the school to find a suitable site within the District, and then there were four years of intense planning and construction that came down to the wire.

Although the fields were finished over the summer, the certificate of occupancy came through just days before kickoff. That meant that the athletics department, the facilities team, faculty, and parent volunteers had to hustle to make sure the fields were ready, equipment lined up, and the site ready for players and fans. It was an all-hands-on-deck effort.

Fulfilling the Promise
Associate Athletic Director and Football Coach Mike Engelberg, who has waited 20 years to coach a game on Maret’s own field, was reflective: "The 'wow-this-is-really-happening' moment came when I was setting up the field for the game," Engelberg shared. "I thought about all the amazing memories, the kids I have coached through the years, and the people I have worked with."

While Maret’s athletic program has always been defined by the character of its players rather than the field beneath their feet, how sweet it is to have two new regulation-size fields that the Frogs can call home and share with neighbors and other youth athletes across the city.

Congratulations to our fall teams, coaches, fans, and the MPA for an unforgettable Homecoming and opening day!

View the Homecoming gallery to relive the excitement and check out our full sports schedule here. 

Go to Athletics Calendar