Judson University holds groundbreaking ceremony for new outdoor athletics facility
On Feb. 4, the Judson University Athletic Department held a special groundbreaking of its new turf field for soccer games and football practice and a three-lane practice track.
A short presentation about the importance of the renovations was held inside the Lindner Fitness Center and the official groundbreaking occurred just outside near the Dawson Field surface.
"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," said Executive Vice President Nikki Fennern. "I can't tell you how excited we are to get going on this project."
"This is such a great day for the university as a whole, and particularly our athletic department," said Gary Newsome, director of athletics.
Judson will be working with Shales-McNutt Construction and Dewberry Architects to complete this multi-million-dollar project. The project is intended to be completed by this upcoming Fall 2022 semester.
Fennern noted that the facility marks the first-ever in school history that can accommodate outdoor track practices. The new facility will impact more than 200 scholar-athletes and will indirectly impact every other athletic program as it provides a new training and spectating venue space.
Additionally, Fennern noted that the space will be used in other activities for Judson as well by external partners.
"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," said Judson University President Dr. Gene Crume. "That's just part of the great energy that is taking place on this campus. These blessings come about because of God's provision."
The second project already taking place is Judson's renovation of a downtown Elgin building that began last December.
Among the attendees were numerous Board of Trustee members including Chairman Dr. Darryl Jenkins, Charlette Canning, Bishop Dr. Michael Love, and Randy Gauger.
Shales McNutt CEO John Shales, Dewberry Illinois Senior Associate Jennifer Betancourt, and American Commercial Bank Partner David Martin also attended along with many campus administrators, staff, faculty, and student-athletes.
"Today is another milestone for Judson University. For our students, as well as our athletes, as well as our entire community," said Dr. Jenkins. "Today is a day that could not have happened sooner for some people who have put their efforts and built on a solid and firm foundation (on this campus) on and off the field. Our hope is that what we are doing today can give generations of student-athletes (the ability to) be champions and overcomers."
The student-athletes in attendance were very excited to hear the news are now eagerly waiting for the surface to be completed.
"It is really such an exciting time. Evert year I have been here our Athletic Department has made significant improvements to support our scholar-athletes," said Women's Soccer Captain Alondra Blanco. "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."