A dirt field that served the needs of students for more than 40 years is now a new athletic field with brand-new artificial turf and goalposts. Douglas County High School (DCHS) in Castle Rock officially debuted the Jan Shawcroft Field on August 31, before the freshman football game.
Previously known as the junior athletic field, the new name is a tribute to Jan Shawcroft, the athletic secretary at DCHS for more than 30 years, who retired in June. Coaches at DCHS presented the idea to Superintendent Kane and the Board of Education to name the field in her honor and received approval.
Jan Shawcroft worked at DCHS for 45 years! She started as an attendance secretary and then as a receptionist. In the late 1970s DCHS Athletic Director Don McCall asked Jan if she would help him, and she agreed to be an assistant to the athletic director. In all, she’s worked for seven athletic directors. “I’ve loved every minute of it!” Jan exclaimed.
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n the mid-1970s, Jan and her husband ran a little league football team, The Dolphins. Forever a dedicated sports fan, Jan advocated for all students to have a nice place to play. When asked about the new field, Jan said, “This is very special. I’m so happy to see the finished project. I love the people at DCHS. I love the kids, and I miss them."
DCHS’s football, soccer, and lacrosse teams will use the Jan Shawcroft Field, and it’s available for rent to the community. Artificial turf playing surface is well-liked by players and coaches, and it aligns with the school’s sustainability plan by saving water and reducing irrigation and maintenance costs. The voter-approved 2018 bond paid for the project.