It was a football field, but that didn’t stop Alan Karns from citing the famous line from the baseball film, “Field of Dreams.”

“If you build it, they will come,” said Karns, the General McLane School District superintendent who presided over the dedication ceremony for Linden Field’s new artificial surface Friday night. The ceremony took place prior to General McLane’s home opener against North East.

Members of the school board, fundraising committee and construction crew were honored during the ceremony. All those in attendance saw the turf pay immediate dividends, as the game began in a steady downpour.

“I’m sure all of you parents are glad for this,” said McLane school board president Mona Buschak said. “Now, you don’t have to clean off the mud (your sons’) uniforms.”

Buschak said Linden Field’s A-Turf went from idea to fruition in 17 months.

The Lancers and Grapepickers played for the first time since 2003. Both teams were 0-1 overall before their Region 4 game.

-- Mike Copper