Judson breaks ground on new athletic facility

For the first time in the history of Judson University, the school will have a facility for outdoor track practices.

But that is only one of the benefits the Elgin university's student athletes will enjoy at the new facility that received its official groundbreaking Friday.

The university's athletic department turned earth on its new turf field for soccer games and football practice and a three-lane practice track.

"It is such an honor ... to celebrate the groundbreaking of this wonderful new facility that is very deserved by our scholar-athletes and this campus," Executive Vice President Nikki Fennern said at the official groundbreaking, near the Dawson Field surface.

Judson will work with Shales-McNutt Construction and Dewberry Architects to complete the multimillion-dollar project, slated to finish by the fall semester.

The new facility will impact more than 200 scholar-athletes and will indirectly impact every other athletic program.

"This is such a great day for the university as a whole, and particularly our Athletic Department," Director of Athletics Gary Newsome said.

The new facility is an example of the university's unprecedented expansion.

"This marks the first time in over a decade that Judson University has two construction projects of over $2 million dollars taking place at the same time. That's just part of the great energy that is taking place on this campus. These blessings come about because of God's provision," said Judson University President Dr. Gene Crume.

Already underway is Judson's renovation of a downtown Elgin building that began last December.

Darryl Jenkins, chairman of the school's board of trustees, said: "Today is another milestone for Judson University. For our students, as well as our athletes, as well as our entire community."

One of the student athletes expressed her excitement.

"It is really such an exciting time. Every year I have been here our Athletic Department has made significant improvements to support our scholar-athletes," said Alondra Blanco, women's soccer captain. "The construction of this facility shows the support that Judson has for its athletes. It's an investment that makes us proud to represent this school."