In the meantime, a Boosters Club, composed of enthusiastic sportsmen, was organized with Russell Johnson as president. This organization raffled off an automobile and along with several other projects, secured enough money to construct and equip the football field and a quarter-mile track.

Friday, September 26, 1947, was designated as "Booster's Night". In the semi-darkness at Smith Field, over 1,500 eager fans heard the words, "We have honored our country with the playing of the National Anthem...now we honor the Boosters by turning on the lights. Let there be light." R.K. Johnston, Booster president, then presented the athletic facility and Kermit Stade accepted of behalf of the school board. Covington fans were only minutes away from witnessing the rebirth of a sport that had been dormant in Covington for 37 years.

Covington hosted the Piqua Catholic Cavaliers in this first game on the friendly confines of Smith Field, and midway through the first quarter, David Beard went 30 yards around right end for the first touchdown. Dick Supinger booted the extra point as Covington put their first seven points on the scoreboard. Late in the third period, Beard and Supinger duplicated the feat in the same manner and the Buccaneers had their first triumph, a 14-0 victory that started a tradition that exists today.

The Smith Field Tradition...
Over the years, Smith Field has evolved in appearance. The biggest evolution was started by Bob Huelsman and the Bucc Boosters organization.

In the late 70's, the tradition of the Covington emblem being painted at mid-field was spearheaded by Huelsman. Since, it has become a tradition for Booster members as they paint the Buccaneer logo prior to each game. Along with Huelsman, the most notable contributor over the years has been long-time Booster member, Ben Wolfe.

The appearance of the field has garnered attention from publications across the country and from opposing teams, who have solicited advice on field maintenance.

Since the beginning, a special love for Smith Field has developed for Buccaneer loyalists as it has become a source of pride for those who have played on the field and even those who have witnessed the memorable games. This love runs very deep and touches an emotional nerve of Buccaneer loyalists.

"This is a special place and a special field that our kids honor and respect, and the logo in the middle symbolizes that," said Covington coach Dave Miller. "It's a reflection of our tradition, our memories, and those who came before us. Every player who plays here leaves a part of themselves on this field. They also take some of the field with them. That's what makes it special."

Over the years it has become common for kids who have played their final game on Smith Field to gather on the logo at mid-field and let the emotions flow. The names and/or numbers of Covington players who have passed away have been painted on the field. The field has even become the setting for a funeral - the funeral of long-time Buccaneer assistant coach Doug Swartz. And in the center of it all is the breathtaking logo painted on the field - a logo every Buccaneer team leaves untouched (other than the coin flip) as much as possible until kickoff.

To Covington, Smith Field is more than a "Field of Dreams"...It's a "Field of Tradition".