The allure of a new field had to be compelling for all involved.

But Lewis County's Board of Education is to be commended for refusing to rush in moving the football team from the old field behind the middle school in Weston.

As we see it, too many details have yet to be finalized.

For instance, The Weston Democrat reported that the walk from the sidelines to the dressing room would take eight minutes.

That would leave teams just eight to nine minutes in the dressing rooms at halftime -- and would quickly become a public relations disaster after each visiting team likely complained loud and along to anyone who would listen.

Also, there were concerns about parking, seating, safety issues and uncertainty whether restrooms or the concession stand would be ready for the opening game.

Each one of these issues, in our opinion, would be worth delaying the move to the new field by another season.

The board's 5-0 vote to put off the move undoubtedly was tough on some of the players who probably already were getting excited about their new location.

And undoubtedly some in the community may accuse school officials of moving too slowly on the project.

However, we think the board made the only logical choice it could make, considering all the facts.

Putting it in perspective, it's not really all that bad, is it?

Lewis County has played at the old field since before World War II. As long as the board makes sure the field's in decent shape and the bleachers and other structures are sound, one more autumn at the old facility can't be that bad, can it?

Matt Harvey

Telegram Editorial Board