Wellington Schools to Honor Coach Gifford with Field Dedication

WELLINGTON, Kan. — Wellington Public Schools will dedicate its football field to longtime coach John Gifford before Friday's homecoming game against Augusta.

The ceremony will begin at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 3 at Sellers Park, just before the homecoming kickoff. The field will be renamed John Gifford Field in recognition of the coach's contributions to Wellington athletics.

Gifford previously received recognition when the district named its football field after him at Sellers Park. Friday's ceremony will present him with another honor related to the field dedication.

"Let's pack the stands to give back a small portion in comparison to what this man has given and will continue to give to Wellington," the school district said in a social media announcement Monday.

School officials are asking past players to join the ceremony at 6:20 p.m. by the restrooms to help welcome Gifford.

The Wellington High School Crusaders will face Augusta in their homecoming matchup following the dedication ceremony.