For WHS sports, Kehler Stadium has long been the center of school spirit, competition and, most importantly, team practices. However, a recent, notable absence has changed the atmosphere of this center of Westfield athletics, possibly for the worse: no music.
The ban on music was implemented gradually, beginning during the girls and boys lacrosse seasons. The teams noticed the absence fairly early on, with music taken away for game day warm-ups, and then it was gone at practices.
Rumors have circulated among students suggesting that the lack of music at practices and games was a result of poor performances on the field—a form of punishment. In reality, the issue is far more complex. The restriction stems from an ongoing battle between neighboring residents and the Westfield sports teams, dating back to the town-wide debate about lights at Kehler.
If a resident near any Westfield athletics facility files a complaint about noise levels, the athletics department takes those concerns seriously. Complaints are typically escalated beyond athletic director Jim DeSarno, and teams are expected to comply with any decisions made. While teams that practice at the EIS and WHS fields have not received any complaints this season, Kehler has been a different story. Multiple complaints have resulted in the current restriction of no music for those who practice at the stadium.
Senior boys lacrosse captain Luke Spaide expressed his frustration, saying, “It’s a little irritating that complaints are being raised because technically, you cannot file a noise ordinance or noise complaint before 10:15 p.m., and we don’t play at those times. I also think it’s fair to point out that the individuals living around Kehler likely bought their homes knowing they were next to a field that creates noise, so it seems unfair to now ban any noise at all. It’s a stadium with thriving sports teams like lacrosse, football, soccer and track, so I think it’s something that should be looked at.”
For many athletes, music is more than just background noise; it’s part of the game day experience. Not only does it energize the players, but it also contributes to the identity of a Westfield team. Without the music, Kehler feels quieter, and for some, less like home. Senior girls lacrosse player Madeleine Smith said, “For the varsity returners, last year, music was a huge part of our season. It was a part of our gameday ritual. Music honestly just adds enthusiasm and energy, and I think that hearing your favorite song playing as you’re warming up for a big game gives you that extra boost of confidence. Having music feels like having another loud and supportive fan on the sidelines.”
This is not the first time Kehler has been at the center of controversy. The lack of stadium lights has been debated for years, with students, parents and members of the community advocating for “Friday night lights.” Opinion articles and letters dating back years from publications like Tapinto Westfield and our very own Hi’s Eye Sports have pushed for change, but no proposal has successfully moved forward.
“Having those classic Friday night lights games is something more out of a movie, and I think that is what people really search for in a high school experience. They want to feel that atmosphere,” said Smith. “Instead, those 12 p.m. games can sometimes feel like something they just have to go to.”
Despite the restrictions, nothing is necessarily permanent. During the lacrosse state tournaments, high school administration and DeSarno had given back what they have been yearning for: their music. The teams could listen to music during practices and pre-games; however, that was only implemented for a few days.
One complaint from a resident could change the whole trajectory of the attempt to restore what the teams once lost. For now, Westfield athletes are left navigating an unpredictable situation in which school spirit must coexist with community concerns. Whether music at Kehler will make a full return or stay as a temporary privilege remains uncertain. But one thing is very clear: the balance between tradition and neighborhood desires is still very much a work in progress.
