One of the more impressive construction projects in Judson Athletics history has come to the realization as the Dawson Field ribbon-cutting ceremony took place at the field’s northwest corner on Thursday evening.
The Dawson Field turfed complex will now host home soccer games as well as be a practice facility for the Football and Track and Field programs. The facility marks the first-ever in school history that can accommodate outdoor track practices and 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, the space will be used in other activities for Judson as well by external partners.
“We’ve come a long way. In the summer of 2021, we officially began the launching of the turf field and the practice track [project]. The idea had been discussed prior to that, but it became real,” said Executive Vice President Dr. Nikki Fennern. “Then in mid-October, we made an excellent decision to partner with SMC construction and Dewberry Architects.”
The project launched on February 4, 2022, with a groundbreaking ceremony.
“There’s a lot of people to thank today,” said Athletic Director Rick Williams. “Any improvement is something that we do not stop at. Every single day we are striving to get better. I look forward to seeing what we can do from here.”
Judson’s President Dr. Gene Crume also spoke thanking the board of trustees for their blessing on the project. Several trustees were present at this event including former Judson University student-athlete Dr. Adam Mackintosh among many others.
“I definitely want to say a big word of thanks to our scholar-athletes and our coaches in particular. Thank you for your sacrifices while this project was underway. It does make a big difference. Your patience and thoughtfulness while waiting for this field to get finished [is greatly appreciated].”
Dr. Fennern concluded the ceremony by reminding everyone to attend the senior days for several of our fall programs on Saturday, October 29. Among the team to be honored that day will include Women’s Volleyball, Women’s Soccer, and Men’s Soccer.
