Athletics Fields Construction Underway

The project, announced in March by President Patrick White, shows the continued commitment by Wabash College to provide first-class facilities not only for its students in the classroom, but also for those looking to stay physically fit through collegiate, intramural, and recreational sports. Read about President White’s announcement and see renderings of the final projects here.

Mud Hollow, where baseball has been played for 50 consecutive years, will soon become the new playing field for the Wabash soccer team with synthetic turf, permanent seating, a press box, and restrooms. The Hollow will also have two additional fields to be used for practice for the football team, as well as intramural sports.

Baseball will compete next season in the grassy lot on the southwest side of the Allen Center. Formerly the site of practice football fields, the baseball stadium will include permanent seating, batting cages, bullpens, a press box, a concession and restroom complex, and new scoreboard.

Finally, the playing surface at Byron P. Hollett Little Giant Stadium will be upgraded from grass to synthetic turf. 

The first phase of the project began Monday, as concrete was poured to build a bridge for bulldozers and heavy equipment to safely cross the J Owen Huntsman Outdoor Track. The machinery will be used to start plowing up the football field in preparation for the new turf field. The removal of sod will begin Monday, weather permitting.

Project manager Mike Stolle said multiple layers will be added to the base of the field before turf is finally set, including sand, gravel and rubber. The improvements to the football field will be completed by August 1, just in time for Coach Erik Raeburn and the Little Giants to begin the 2010 campaign.

Construction of the baseball stadium is set to begin in several weeks and run through the fall. 

Check back as Athletic Director Tom Bambrey, coaches, and students speak about how the project will impact Wabash College. We also plan to show pictures and video of the work being done throughout the summer.