Lawmakers heard support on Nov. 17 for Bill 195-38, a measure to rename the George Washington High School football field in honor of the late Coach Loring Santos Cruz.

Sen. Vicente A.V. Borja is the bill’s author; ranking committee members read a statement describing how the measure arose from a community petition by alumni, former players and families. The Bureau of Budget and Management’s fiscal note, filed for the bill, said the measure would have no fiscal impact on government operations but could incur a small cost for new signage.

Family members and former players told the committee that Cruz — a physical-education teacher and coach for more than three decades — mentored thousands of students. Christine Cruz Denight, Cruz’s youngest sibling, described personal details meant to illustrate the coach’s care for players: "He used his own money to purchase paint to line the field" and "he purchased a washing machine and had it installed outside the gym" so players without access to laundry could have clean uniforms.

Neil Egarola, a longtime Guam Department of Education employee and GW alumnus, called Cruz’s influence "not measured in wins alone, but in the countless lives he shaped." Former Governor Joseph F. Ada’s written testimony, read by a family member, urged the committee to approve the renaming as recognition of educators and coaches who shape communities.

During discussion senators praised Cruz’s legacy and raised practical questions about the field’s condition and future upkeep. Committee members discussed removing the word "football" from the bill during markup to make the measure apply to the multipurpose field more broadly; Vice Speaker Tony Ada suggested editing the bill language to name the "Loring Santos Cruz Field" to reflect its use for track and other activities.

Christine Denight and other family members said they were prepared to help steward the field and discussed forming a foundation or fundraising for improvements such as a press box, scoreboard and concession facilities. Several senators asked the panel to collect documentary history (petitions, photos and records) to include in the committee report so future students and administrators can trace why the field was named.

What’s next: Committee members said they plan to mark up amendments and aim to bring the bill back in the January session with materials and memorabilia to support the record.