TACOMA, Wash. — The rainwater that flooded Tacoma's Stadium Bowl, causing landslides and extensive damage, also flooded the high school football team's locker room. That left the team's uniforms and gear soaked in possibly contaminated water.
"We have a question of equipment usability and a lot of guys losing person stuff, such as cleats, gloves and stuff that's necessary to play," said Scott Elder, parent of a freshman on Stadium High's team.
With no field to play on, and now no equipment to wear, parents, players, and school officials are scrambling to find replacements.
The powerful rainstorm washed away a hillside on the stadium's north side and undermined land under a steep staircase. It will remain closed until at least February.
But the football team still has games to play, including one in Lacey on Friday.
There's no way of knowing if the school's booster club can buy or borrow enough gear in time for the game. A spokeswoman for Tacoma Public Schools said the boosters and team are working on an online fundraising plan and may ask other districts for spare gear.
KIRO 7 will continue to monitor that effort and pass on information on how you can help when it becomes available.
KIRO
