The “new” football field was a dream in the 1920s of Sybil Snyder. Her classmates at William Chrisman High School sold cookies and had car washes to buy a field at the corner of 24 Highway and River Road. The field was used until 1944.

In the 1940s, the School Board sold the land for the development of a shopping center. They used the proceeds of the sale to buy pasture land around the then Ott Elementary School land bounded on the north by Nickell Street, south by 24 Highway, east by the fence line, and west by Noland road. In 1945-46, the top field was built. In the 1950s, the field also held graduation exercises for Chrisman High School. It was used until September 25, 2002 for all major football events for both Chrisman High School and Truman High School

In 1959, Mrs. Snyder was serving on the Independence School Board. There was some money left in the fund after the pastureland was bought. She was determined that the money that her classmates had worked so hard for would be used for Athletics at Chrisman. She got the School Board to dig a field and track in the lower pasture. The cinder track and some seating were put in place. The money ran out before the stadium could be fully developed.

There was no more development till the school bond issues in 2000. After the bond passed work began on improving the lower track and field. There was a new press box, concession stand, training rooms, storage area, new bleachers on both sides of the field, and bleachers in the west end zone for the band. Finally on September 24, 2002 the dream that Mrs. Sybil Snyder had in the 1920s came true. The first game was played on the new Norman James Field at the Independence All School Stadium. The Chrisman Bears played Park Hill.

In 2003 season while using the new field, the Chrisman Bears won the Suburban Middle 8 District Championship.

There continues to be more games played on this “Dream Field” with many more to come. What the future holds for the football dream field only future teams hold the keys to the game plans. Just as Mrs. Snyder dreamed in the past many students, staff, and boosters dream of games and Championships to come. By Coach Bill Summa, Michelle Lane, and Robie Mathews from Booster Club Homecoming Book 2004

From the WC PTSA Newsletter fall 2004HISTORY OF THE CHRISMAN FOOTBALL FIELD