Akron Reporter

The Kent State Athletic Department, in conjunction with the Kent State University Capital Fund, has approved renovations to the Kent State softball facility and the gymnastics practice facility, as announced by Director of Athletics Randale L. Richmond.

"I am thrilled to announce our plans to enhance these athletic facilities and am grateful to the university for believing in our athletics vision," Richmond said. "These types of projects greatly enhance our student-athlete experience at Kent State and go a long way toward our athletics vision to be a nationally recognized, comprehensive athletics department that inspires communities and transforms lives."

The softball facility will undergo a complete renovation. A synthetic turf outfield will replace the current natural grass, while the infield will get an overhaul that includes an upgraded drainage system.

"On behalf of the team, staff, alumni and families we'd like to thank President Diacon, Randale Richmond, Dr. Kathy Wilson, Suzette McQueen, Amy Densevich, the University Cabinet and the Board of Trustees," head softball coach Eric Oakley said. "We'd also like to thank all the other administrators who have worked hard behind the scenes to secure the funding for this project. We are truly grateful."

In addition to the turf installation, the renovation will include several other enhancements:

• A synthetic, brown warning track will lead up to a new wraparound fence.
• The warning track will wrap the field and extend to the dugouts and backstop.
• A new padded backstop will be installed.
• Both home and visitor dugouts will be completely updated and renovated.
• The turf inside the batting cages and for both bullpens will be upgraded.
• Netting for the backstop and batting cages will be updated.

"These upgrades will benefit our current and future student-athletes, help with recruiting and provide a more positive experience for anyone who has the opportunity to play at our facility," Oakley said. "But perhaps just as significant, these upgrades are also a representation of the hard work, blood, sweat and tears spent on this field from years of former players and coaches."

The gymnastics practice facility will install a new below-ground foam pit. Pits provide a soft, forgiving landing surface for gymnasts and aid in the development of skills while helping reduce injury. The renovation also includes the installation of a proper runway area for the gymnasts to safely practice. The update will eliminate the surface transition that is currently installed. The replacement will be a singular unit identical to what is used during competition.

"We are extremely excited and thankful for the upgrades to our facility," head gymnastics coach Brice Biggin said. "These upgrades make it possible for our athletes to train new skills safely and train on a softer surface that will truly help maintain their health and well-being."

Both projects are set to begin during summer 2022. The gymnastics facility should be completed by the end of the summer, with the softball facility slated for completion by the end of fall.

"These projects are a culmination of the dedication and loyalty of every member of the Kent State Family," Oakley said. "Whether you wore the Flash for a day or four years, it was worn with pride and with the knowledge that, despite having to overcome obstacles, you always fought for the Blue and Gold, and for the women who stood beside you. This moment is bigger than words or pictures. This moment is about acknowledging a group of student-athletes and recognizing not only their hard work, but the value they bring to Kent State University."

Richmond added, "The upgrades to both facilities will help support two women's sports programs and align with one of the eight pillars in our Play As One strategic plan. The fact that this is happening now, as we celebrate the 50th anniversary of Title IX in collegiate athletics, is rewarding."