{
  "id": 14500993,
  "title": "No stencil, no problem: Winston-Salem State grounds crew gets creative",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/14/no-stencil-no-problem-winston-salem-state-grounds-crew-gets-creative",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-14T17:36:35.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/no-stencil-no-problem-winston-173635674.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "At Winston-Salem State University, the grounds crew found a creative solution when they needed to mark field lines for a home football game without a stencil. Instead of using traditional tools, a crew member spray-painted the hashes by hand, while others used their feet to measure the required distances. This improvised method was evident in a video that quickly went viral on X.\n\nWinston-Salem State University, a historically black college or university, competes in the CIAA conference in Division II. Grounds crew member AD Eric Burns personally apologized for the uneven yard lines, acknowledging that they fell short of the university's standards. In response to the mishap, Burns stated that the university has added extra field preparation support and new quality checks to prevent similar issues before the next home game. The university is committed to meeting its high standards for field markings, ensuring that its student-athletes and Ram Nation fans receive the best possible experience.\n\nIndeed, the Winston-Salem State Rams faced a significant setback in their most recent game, losing 21-0 to Bowie State University. Although the team is currently 0-6 and in need of their first win of the season, additional help is on the way for their upcoming game on Saturday, October 17, against Bluefield State.",
  "summary": "Winston-Salem State University's grounds crew gets creative and paints the field with no stencil.",
  "key_points": [
    "Winston-Salem State grounds crew used spray paint and feet to mark field lines",
    "Crew member AD Eric Burns apologized for yard lines falling short of standards",
    "University added extra field preparation support and quality checks"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}