With the passing of the bond, construction of lights at Shores’ soccer field could begin.

    With this taking place, there was excitement among players to finally "play under the lights" at their home field.

    "I couldn’t wait to play with the lights," senior Andy Aamodt said. "Playing under the lights adds a chime to the beautiful game of soccer."

    The first game under the lights was a lightning-shortened 1-0 win over Western Michigan Christian on Tuesday, Aug. 25.

    There was a lot of hard work put into getting lights from the players and the parents as well.

    "Everyone worked hard to get these lights up," senior Jordan Tejchma said, "and the community, school, and players get the opportunity to experience them."

    The fight for lights has been going on for almost a decade.

    "One of the first things I asked for when I started coaching eight years ago," varsity soccer coach Jeremy Leffring said, "was for lights to be installed to the soccer field."

    With many attempts of trying to get them installed, coach Leffring was unsuccessful. Then a different athletic director came into place, but still no luck.

    "The idea of lights was immediately struck down," Coach Leffring said. "I wasn’t going to give up though."

    Finally, when athletic director Walt Gawkowski was hired, Coach Leffring took another shot at the lights issue.

    "Walt asked me what some of my goals were for the soccer program," coach Leffring said. "It told him I wanted lights. He said let’s see what we can do."

    The first step was taken followed by another.

    "The process of getting lights began in 2006 when I requested an amendment to a previously approved Special Use Permit from the City of Norton Shores,"