UCO holds groundbreaking for new softball field

From UCO Sports Info.
Mike Kirk, Assistant Athletic Director for Media Relations

EDMOND – Central Oklahoma’s Complete the Dream athletic facilities campaign continued with the official groundbreaking for the new softball stadium Thursday afternoon.

Dozens of dignitaries from around campus and the softball community along with other UCO coaches and softball players gathered for the 30-minute ceremony behind second base on the current field.

“I learned a long time ago that to make something happen you have do it yourself,” President Don Betz said.  “This field is about softball, but it’s also about so much more.  This is just the start of the Complete the Dream vision.”

Construction on the $2.4 million softball field will start in early July, with an expected completion date of Feb. 1, 2017.  The facility will be fully enclosed and will include an artificial playing surface, expanded seating, a home dressing room, offices and a new press box.

“This truly is a special occasion for us in the athletic department,” said Athletic Director Joe Muller.  “It’s the beginning of a transformation in our athletic facilities that is long, long overdue.  This is a great day and marks a new era in Broncho Athletics.”

“We’re excited about what this can do for our program moving forward,” said head coach Cody White, who has a 122-59 record in three years at the helm.  “It’s a great day for us and it couldn’t have happened without a lot of people stepping up to help.”

The Complete the Dream Campaign is the first comprehensive athletic facilities campaign in school history.  Other planned facilities include a sports performance building in the north end zone of Wantland Stadium, an indoor practice facility and other renovations.