AUBURN -- Talk about resurfacing.

The Auburn Enlarged City School District Board of Education could be discussing artificial turf again when it meets after the new year.

Following Tuesday night's board meeting, at which the district recognized the football team and its coaches, schools superintendent John Plume said the Maroons' state championship sparked community calls to bring the matter of a synthetic field out to another vote. He asked the school board review the possibility of another referendum at its next meeting on Jan. 9.

"There's been some conversation in the community sparked in part by the success of the athletes," Plume said. He said some talk had turned to maybe soliciting some private support for a turf field.

To applause, team members accepted certificates of recognition, which Plume and board vice president Ginny Kent distributed in order of players' jersey numbers. Coach Dave Moscov, assistant coach Don Patchett and athletic director Tamela Ray also received congratulatory certificates.

"It was really, truly a remarkable run," Plume said.

Shortly afterward, he queried Moscov and a few team members about the impact of synthetic surfaces on their triumph.

Moscov said all six games leading up to last month's win against defending champions Monroe-Woodbury were played on artificial turf fields. To prepare, the team practiced alternately on the synthetic field at Corcoran High School and on the indoor courts of other Auburn district school buildings.

Quarterback Darnell Murphy said artificial surfaces helped players move more easily during rainy days. Running back Quendel Ellison noted synthetic turf doesn't muddy up in the rain.

As Moscov put it, "We got a lot better in the last six weeks. Turf helped the team prepare and get its timing down."

Read the full report in Wednesday's edition of The Citizen.