THE JUNGLE

THE JUNGLE

Julian Yates field was constructed during the 1970’s as Konawaena high school began a major landscape overhaul.  During this period, a new two story building with four wings (known as “Main Building”) was erected in place of the original three winged building.  Along with the construction of a new gymnasium (Ellison Onizuka Gymnasium), athletic additions also included new locker rooms built directly above the football field.  The young stages of a football program were being assembled. 

The original landscape of Julian Yates field consisted of a scoreboard in the south endzone that was diagonally oriented towards the stands.  The old baseball backstop filled the north landscape with a large tree backing the uprights.  Several portable bleachers lined the visiting sidelines as the entire field was roped to separate spectators.  Many would set up their chairs along these ropes to get field level view.  In the late 90’s, the construction of an all weather track and resurfacing of the football field took place.  The old scoreboard was later replaced and the old backstop and tree were removed.  A large concrete retaining wall now holds the north side of the field and the large concrete bleachers were extended to accommodate the shift of the playing surface north.  Spectators are now bound to the mauka side of the field as the days of field level seating are no longer allowed.

The newly coined term “The Jungle” is a resemblance of what home games will bring to Wildcat opponents.  The natural setting during a night game is a misty, foggy mystique with a nip in the air.  With the back drop of an overgrown hillside to the north and randomly placed palm trees…The Jungle sets the stage for hungry Wildcats to protect their home turf.  Not many will make it out of The Jungle unscathed…