Pisgah Memorial Stadium in Canton, reopened on Aug. 18, 2023, more than two years after Tropical Storm Fred ravaged the field.

Fred flooded the stadium in 2021.

“When we were juniors, we got to finally come back home and play, which was last year,” said Pisgah High School football senior Robbie Hensley. “It was really good.”

Floodwaters brought on by Hurricane Helene ravaged Pisgah Memorial Stadium again.

“It was really nice being back home,” Hensley said of playing in the stadium again before Helene.

Hensley said he recognizes the importance of football in the town of Canton.

“I mean, it’s kind of a lifeline in town,” Hensley said.

Photos: Pisgah High School football stadium floods from Helene

Pigsah has a 4-1 record so far in the 2024 season.

Pisgah High School Athletics Director and Softball Coach Heidi Morgan shared her reaction to the devastation of the stadium.

“It breaks my heart for our kids,” Morgan said. “Losing a stadium or a field is not the most important thing, but for our high school kids, that is their livelihood.”

A livelihood that is the talk of the town every weekend in the Fall.

“I work at the local store down there,” Hensley said. “I get at least 50 questions every Saturday when I work, asking about, ‘How did you do last night?”

In many ways, the town of Canton lives for Friday nights in the fall. Now, the people who live here are just trying to catch their breath.

“In 2021, it was a very similar circumstance,” Morgan said. “All the fields were a total loss.

“So, we had hoped that we would have a little more time. The 100-year flood keeps happening.”

“I’ve dreamed ever since I was little of getting to play on that field,” Hensley said. “It’s really devastating walking down there, seeing everything knocked down.”

From a long-term standpoint, Morgan and Hensley said they think the Pigsah community will be OK.

“The Canton community is resilient,” Morgan said. “They’re strong. Somehow, we find a way to come back stronger each time.”

“People in this town absolutely love the sport of football,” Hensley said. “They get behind it. I think it will be fine.”

Morgan and Hensley said the recovery will be slow and it’s not going to be easy.

However, they said for the people of Canton, it’s time to keep going.

“Our spirits are down, and their sorrow, but we will come back,” Morgan said.

Morgan said that she is thankful to all the first responders, emergency personnel and volunteers who have helped the people of western North Carolina as the process of rebuilding is just starting.

Source: wral.com