Monday, September 10, 2007

            For the past three years the “Our Valpo” initiative has sought support for capital projects across the Valparaiso University campus.  Part of this campaign has been the FITT (Football, Intramurals, Tennis, Track) initiative with a goal of constructing a new synthetic football field/tack complex and a new outdoor tennis court complex.

            As a part of the FITT initiative a donor has stepped forward with a $1 million gift.  The gift has been given anonymously.  This is the largest single gift ever received by the Athletics Department.

            “This is a very exciting development for both Athletics and Recreational Sports,” said Valparaiso University director of athletics Mark LaBarbera.  “It is a great encouragement to all of our coaches and student-athletes to have people show this type of commitment to our programs.”

            “An upgraded game and practice facility is a critical next step in our goal of winning the Pioneer Football championship again,” added head football coach Stacy Adams.  “It is great to be so much closer to have this project completed.”

            The football field/track complex when completed will included a new eight-lane polyurethane running track, a synthetic turf football field, lighting for the track and football field, and a new scoreboard.  The tennis complex has been completed and was dedicated in the fall of 2006.

            “Having a track will help attract more quality recruits,” said track and field coach Ryan Moore.  “It will really allow our athletes to train and compete at a place they can call home.”