Proposed SAU women’s softball fieldhouse.
Through an investment of approximately $2 million, SAU plans to build a new softball field house and completely rebuild its track and field facility. Construction is expected to begin on both projects in 2015, and there are opportunities for alumni and friends to be involved.
“These projects represent more than just an investment in facilities; they represent an investment in students’ lives,” said SAU President Dr. David Rankin. “Making these enhancements in softball and track will give our coaches the tools they need to recruit the very best student-athletes. Each student will have the opportunity to earn a degree as they learn important life skills on and off the field.”
Each project is estimated to cost approximately $1 million.
The University has invested heavily in softball over the past few years by moving the program from an off-campus field to its current location near the Mulerider baseball field. Despite these investments, the program’s facilities have lagged behind the standards of competitive NCAA programs. That will not be the case for long.
The new softball field house will provide locker rooms, coaches’ offices, a concession stand, public restrooms, and press box for each of the two fields. A new fence and ticket booths will also be constructed.
At the track, the severely deteriorated track surface will be completely demolished to make way for a new track with an expanded D-zone for field events as well as new long jump and pole vault pads. A new grandstand will be built to seat about 500 spectators, and professional lighting will allow practice and meets to continue well after dark.
“With these improvements, our softball and track facilities will be among the nicest in the Great American Conference,” said Director of Athletics Steve Browning. “In today’s competitive recruiting environment, the quality of a program’s facilities can be the deciding factor for many student-athletes. We have been blessed with great facilities for many of our programs, and now it is time to do the same for these two.”
Alumni and friends of the University may partner with Mulerider Athletics on these projects through tax deductible gifts. Naming opportunities and honor societies are available.
You can be a part of either of these athletic campaigns by visiting www.saufoundation.org and clicking the “make a gift” button. For more information, contact the Office of Development at (870) 235-5375 or jeremylangley@saumag.edu.
