If
you’ve driven by the Tejanos baseball field lately, you might
have noticed it’s all torn up.
The work going on there is part of a $921,700 renovation the Board
of Trustees approved last semester.
“I am ecstatic about the new developments,” said Tejanos
first-baseman Rico Campos. “It shows that the board members
believe in the success they will bring.”
Work on the first phase of the three-phase project is due to be completed
by March 1, the day before EPCCs’ first conference game, said
Tejanos Coach Shannon Hunt.
Phase
one of the Tejano field rennovation calls for insulation of a draining
system and artificial turf. The $921,700 face lift should be complete
by Mar. 1, the day before the Tejanos play their first conference
game.
Photo by Nick Davis
“It
would not bother me if the entire project took a year or two to complete
because it’s going to be a beautiful sight upon completion,”
Hunt said. “With the installation of the artificial turf, the
field meets major league baseball level.”
The renovation is to be paid for by student activity fees, said Dana
Eisenga, the athletic information program coordinator.
Phase 1 of the project includes installation of a drainage system
and artificial turf.
Future improvements to the field include new bleachers, a press box,
bathrooms, concession stands and stadium lights. Although Phases 2
and 3 haven’t been approved, “the team is excited about
the artificial turf,” said Campos.
Hunt talked enthusiastically about the project stating, “The
administration is working diligently to expedite this project through
the final phase.”
“The renovation means changing the shape of the ballpark somewhat,”
said Steve Northrop, contractor for FieldTurf Tarkett, the company
performing the renovation.
“The field has been shortened about 25 feet at the first base
and third base lines,” said Northrop.
Until the construction is complete, the Tejanos will play their home
games at Franklin High School or Cohen Stadium.
To keep Hunt informed, Northrop regularly sends him e-mail messages
containing checklists showing him the status of work in progress.
EPCCs’ first conference game is scheduled for noon, March 2
against Clarendon Community College.
“The team’s expecting to have a great season and we can’t
wait to take the new field,” said Campos.
