Tech to install synthetic turf

18 February 2016

The Indiana Tech Board of Trustees approved the construction of a synthetic turf athletic field at their most recent meeting.

The turf would replace the grass on the Warrior Athletic Field, current home of Tech’s soccer and lacrosse programs.

The project is estimated to cost $1 million and is scheduled to break ground after the graduation commencements in mid-May. Construction is expected to be completed by the beginning of August, in time for fall sports’ preseason camps.

“The new field will greatly improve the amount of time our students, both athletes and non-athletes, have to play and practice,” Dr. Dan Stoker, VP of Student Affairs, said in a release. “Besides our Varsity and JV soccer teams for both men and women, and our men’s and women’s lacrosse teams, the field will be utilized by intramurals, club sports – most notably Ultimate, Physical Education classes, other sports for cross-training, and then general recreational use.”

The lacrosse teams, which begin competition in March, will see a great benefit to the turf field. In the past, the programs have utilized Saint Francis’ turf football field, the stadium at Park Tudor in Indianapolis and indoor fields at the Plex facilities.

“Considering that our lacrosse teams have hosted very few home games (one each team) on our field the last two years due to weather and turf conditions, the lacrosse teams will actually gain a useable home site with this installation,” Stoker added. “Our women’s lacrosse team actually mopped the field last year to make it playable for Senior Night – that shouldn’t occur again after we install the turf.”

In addition to the increased ability to play host to competitions, first-year women’s lacrosse coach Jason Allen has high hopes for the potential to recruits.

“The impact it will have on recruiting is huge, it will help us seal the deal with the rest of our facilities,” he said. “(Plus) the endless opportunities to showcase our turf field to high school teams and club teams by having them come out and play on it. We will also be able to have camps and clinics at any time during the year for recruits.”

 

Source : journalgazette.net