At Parma, school authorities assess the damage and decide what to do after the main football field experienced the most significant storm damage last week.
The Byers Field is one of the best school athletic fields in this area, hosting home football games for Normandy, Valley Forge, and some St. Ignatius games. However, the school is developing contingency plans, as there are only two weeks left before the start of the school football season.
There is something special for a freshman about playing football on the field for the first time.
"I'm very excited. I've been waiting for this moment my whole life, and I can't wait," - said Normandy High School freshman quarterback Omir Taylor.
"We have been preparing all summer, attending football camp," - said Leanne Taylor, Omir's mother.
Due to storm-related damage, Byers' football field was closed, and Omir's mother is now forced to wait for this special moment.
"I was a little upset, but I hope they manage to fix it before our first game," - said Omir.
At first glance, it seems that nothing is broken on Byers Field, but if you look a little closer, you will notice that the back wall of the stands has tilted, the fence has bent, and the lights were damaged.
"From our school district's perspective, Byers Field stadium has become the epicenter of destruction," - says Parma City Schools administrator Charles Smylek.
After the storm, Parma's schools closed the field for safety reasons while they evaluated the situation.
"An engineering firm has already come to us. Another will arrive this week," - said Smylek.
Home football games are held at Byers Field between Normandy, St. Ignatius, Valley Forge High School, and other teams. The problem is that Normandy’s first game is scheduled for August 23. By that time, the field may not be ready.
"We are certain that the field will be closed in August. We hope to be able to reopen in the first week of September, which will be the third week of the football season," - said Smylek.
Smylek assures players and parents that they will still have the opportunity to play football, but they need to decide where these games will take place.
Omir says he is confident that regardless of whether it is this month or the next, his first game at Bayers Field will remain in the books.
"This will probably be a surreal and unforgettable moment," - says Omir.
Smylek reassures that the good news is that the grass and display board are intact, and the storm did not cause any damage to the schools. He adds that insurance should cover the repair costs.