(RICHMOND, Virginia) – Crenshaw Field at the University of Richmond is getting a facelift with a new AstroTurf® System 12 field.
While Crenshaw Field serves many of Richmond’s athletic teams for practice, the Spiders field hockey team plays its home games there. The team is gaining a reputation as one of the premier teams in the country and will benefit from the new field surface.
“In our economic times, putting in a top water-based turf product might seem out of reach for many athletic budgets,” said Richmond Head Coach Gina Lucido. “AstroTurf® was able to come to the table and meet all of my needs to install an elite playing surface. I am thrilled the Richmond field hockey program will benefit from the installation of AstroTurf® in Fall 2011, and many years to come. I look forward to the collaboration between AstroTurf® and my staff and their commitment to lasting excellence.”
Lucido will be entering her fifth year at the helm of the Richmond field hockey program. While at Richmond, she has built a successful program which will be a contender in NCAA field hockey in years to come.
In her second year as head coach, Lucido advanced to the Atlantic 10 title game. In 2009, the Spiders won the Atlantic 10 regular season championship and the Atlantic 10 tournament championship. The Spiders advanced to the NCAA tournament and finished with a national ranking of 19th.
Lucido was a standout player at Ball State University, where she was also an Academic All-American. In February 2006, Lucido was inducted into the Ball State University Hall of Fame.
She began her coaching career at Bucknell University, aiding both field hockey and lacrosse programs. Lucido then spent time at Susquehanna University coaching field hockey and lacrosse before joining the start-up program at Indiana University. During her six-year career as an assistant field hockey coach at Indiana, Lucido helped guide the Hoosiers to an NCAA Final 8 appearance in 2005.
The new field will be an AstroTurf® 12 synthetic turf system. The field will be engineered with a premium knitted nylon system designed to provide uniform traction and consistent footing. It will improve playability when it is wet and absorbs water to maintain wet conditions longer.
AstroTurf® 12 systems were first used in an international field hockey event in 1975 in Montreal. The same field hosted the Olympics in 1976. Since then, they have become the preferred surface for field hockey events around the globe.
AstroTurf® surfaces were also used in the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta and 2008 Olympics in Beijing. The AstroTurf® 12 system has also seen play in the Pan Am games, World Cup and numerous other field hockey events. The U.S. National team trains on AstroTurf® in Chula Vista, California, and Virginia Beach, Virginia.
Also, a new AstroTurf® 12 system is used by the University of Maryland, 2011 NCAA Division I Champions. To date, all NCAA Division I National Championships have been played on AstroTurf® fields. The 2011 event will be held at the University of Louisville, on a new AstroTurf® 12 surface just like the ones the Spiders will be playing on.
“Gina is an outstanding coach and the program is gaining momentum,” said Pam Hixon, hall of fame field hockey coach and Field Hockey Ambassador for AstroTurf®. “With momentum come increased expectations. Having a championship AstroTurf® field will help the Spiders exceed those expectations under Coach Lucido.”
The Spiders will begin their 2011 campaign at home against James Madison University, on September 17th.
About AstroTurf®
For many athletes and sport enthusiasts, the AstroTurf® brand has redefined the way the game is played. AstroTurf® offers advanced, state-of-the-art, multi-sport, and specialized synthetic turf systems with proprietary engineered technologies, leveraging a vertically integrated manufacturing system. A growing number of high schools, colleges, professional sports teams and municipalities select AstroTurf®-branded products for their premium quality, technical superiority, and safety. To learn more, visit www.astroturfusa.com. You can also check out AstroTurf® on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/AstroTurf/124352067595110.
Friday, May 27, 2011
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
COMPETITIVE EDGE SPORTS (CES) DOES IT ON ASTROTURF
Competitive Edge Sports (CES) in Atlanta trains more prospective and current NFL players than any other private facility in the country. A lot of the training takes place on an indoor AstroTurf® field.
The company is getting ready to open a facility in Houston and they are trying to make a big splash this summer.
They have already been doing physicals at Reliant Stadium and will be hosting 7-on-7 passing camps and performance camps this summer. To promote their new facility, they are showcasing some of the things they do on AstroTurf®. The best part is they are doing it on a piece of turf with our logo.
Here is a photo that was taken this past weekend of the floor setup at a Reliant Stadium event.
CARL SMITH STADIUM AT UVA-WISE GETTING NEW ASTROTURF FIELD
(WISE, Virginia) - Despite the rain and unseasonably cool temperatures just a couple of days ago, it would be just about impossible to wipe the smile from Danny Sterling’s face.
Sterling, the athletic director at the University of Virginia’s College at Wise, is happy because the process is underway to install an all new AstroTurf® field at Carl Smith Stadium.
The Highland Cavaliers have played their last 12 seasons on an AstroTurf® System 12 field, and while the field was still in great shape, the school wanted to bring a new championship-caliber surface to the
stadium. The new field will be AstroTurf® GameDay™ Grass 3D52H.
“To say that excitement is the word would be an understatement,” said Sterling. “We can’t wait for the new field. The quality of this product won us over. We looked at other AstroTurf® installations at places like Old Dominion and Wake Forest and there was no question. We also have a long history and relationship with AstroTurf®, so that made the decision an easy one.”
The field will feature the revolutionary new Horseshoe™ fiber. This new fiber is enjoying unprecedented success in the sports field marketplace, due to factors such as its unique shape. The fiber is an “Omega” shape with two end columns with a thicker diameter. The design imparts mechanical memory so that the fiber remains upright longer, unlike other fields whose fibers quickly flatten and split or shred at the spine. The Horseshoe™ fiber continues to spring back to its original configuration, even after years of heavy foot traffic or exposure to ultra-violet radiation.
The field also has a face weight of 52 ounces of fiber per square yard. This adds to the durability provided by the fiber shape. Further enhancing the durability and safety of the field is the proprietary RootZone®, a dense sub-layer of texturized fibers which act as an infill stabilizer system to prevent migration and splash of the rubber granule infill.
In extensive testing, the Horseshoe® fiber performs most like natural grass from ball roll and slide resistance, to the biomechanical function of cleats penetrating and releasing properly. A study at Michigan State University, funded by NFL Charities, found that AstroTurf® GameDay Grass™ systems looked and performed more like natural grass than any other synthetic product measured, also making it the safest option.
The Horseshoe® fiber’s shape also allows it to reflect light and heat away from the surface. That, in combination with AstroFlect™ heat reduction technology, can lower surface temperatures by as much as 18%.
The Horseshoe™ fiber was introduced in 2010 and is already in use on practice fields at schools such as Stanford and the University of Tennessee; baseball game fields for the Tampa Bay Rays, Wake Forest, Duke; and numerous high school football fields around the country.
“We are excited about the partnership with UVA-Wise,” said Bryan Peeples, President of AstroTurf®. “Installing a championship-caliber field is a testimony to the commitment to the program. It’s also a game-changer when it comes to the pride young athletes, and the community at-large, take in the school.”
According to Sterling, the field will have a huge impact on the current student-athletes at the school, as well as influencing the decisions of potential Highland Cavaliers in the future.
The field at UVA-Wise will also allow the school to host, not only football games, but provide help in weather-related practice situations for the baseball and softball teams, and special events such as intramural championship games and other campus events.
Additionally, the field will play a large role in the community and will host little league games, as well as high school games, band camps, and summer camps.
Another impact the field will have is to make the Highland Cavaliers the envy of the Mid-South Conference, where the football team competes in the NAIA.
One Mid-South Conference school, Shorter University, started playing its home games last season on a new AstroTurf® field at Barron Stadium in Rome, Georgia. That stadium also happens to be the host stadium for the NAIA National Championship game. So, while the Highland Cavaliers are looking forward to playing their home games this year on their own AstroTurf®, it’s probably a safe bet to say they would like to be in a position to play on the AstroTurf® in Rome, Georgia in December.
The team will get its chance for a march on Georgia when they kick off the 2011 season at home on their new AstroTurf® on September 3rd against Webber International.
About AstroTurf®
For many athletes and sport enthusiasts, the AstroTurf® brand has redefined the way the game is played. AstroTurf® offers advanced, state-of-the-art, multi-sport, and specialized synthetic turf systems with proprietary engineered technologies, leveraging a vertically integrated manufacturing system. A growing number of high schools, colleges, professional sports teams and municipalities select AstroTurf®-branded products for their premium quality, technical superiority, and safety. To learn more, visit www.astroturfusa.com. You can also check out AstroTurf® on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/AstroTurf/124352067595110.
Sterling, the athletic director at the University of Virginia’s College at Wise, is happy because the process is underway to install an all new AstroTurf® field at Carl Smith Stadium.
The Highland Cavaliers have played their last 12 seasons on an AstroTurf® System 12 field, and while the field was still in great shape, the school wanted to bring a new championship-caliber surface to the
stadium. The new field will be AstroTurf® GameDay™ Grass 3D52H.
“To say that excitement is the word would be an understatement,” said Sterling. “We can’t wait for the new field. The quality of this product won us over. We looked at other AstroTurf® installations at places like Old Dominion and Wake Forest and there was no question. We also have a long history and relationship with AstroTurf®, so that made the decision an easy one.”
The field will feature the revolutionary new Horseshoe™ fiber. This new fiber is enjoying unprecedented success in the sports field marketplace, due to factors such as its unique shape. The fiber is an “Omega” shape with two end columns with a thicker diameter. The design imparts mechanical memory so that the fiber remains upright longer, unlike other fields whose fibers quickly flatten and split or shred at the spine. The Horseshoe™ fiber continues to spring back to its original configuration, even after years of heavy foot traffic or exposure to ultra-violet radiation.
The field also has a face weight of 52 ounces of fiber per square yard. This adds to the durability provided by the fiber shape. Further enhancing the durability and safety of the field is the proprietary RootZone®, a dense sub-layer of texturized fibers which act as an infill stabilizer system to prevent migration and splash of the rubber granule infill.
In extensive testing, the Horseshoe® fiber performs most like natural grass from ball roll and slide resistance, to the biomechanical function of cleats penetrating and releasing properly. A study at Michigan State University, funded by NFL Charities, found that AstroTurf® GameDay Grass™ systems looked and performed more like natural grass than any other synthetic product measured, also making it the safest option.
The Horseshoe® fiber’s shape also allows it to reflect light and heat away from the surface. That, in combination with AstroFlect™ heat reduction technology, can lower surface temperatures by as much as 18%.
The Horseshoe™ fiber was introduced in 2010 and is already in use on practice fields at schools such as Stanford and the University of Tennessee; baseball game fields for the Tampa Bay Rays, Wake Forest, Duke; and numerous high school football fields around the country.
“We are excited about the partnership with UVA-Wise,” said Bryan Peeples, President of AstroTurf®. “Installing a championship-caliber field is a testimony to the commitment to the program. It’s also a game-changer when it comes to the pride young athletes, and the community at-large, take in the school.”
According to Sterling, the field will have a huge impact on the current student-athletes at the school, as well as influencing the decisions of potential Highland Cavaliers in the future.
The field at UVA-Wise will also allow the school to host, not only football games, but provide help in weather-related practice situations for the baseball and softball teams, and special events such as intramural championship games and other campus events.
Additionally, the field will play a large role in the community and will host little league games, as well as high school games, band camps, and summer camps.
Another impact the field will have is to make the Highland Cavaliers the envy of the Mid-South Conference, where the football team competes in the NAIA.
One Mid-South Conference school, Shorter University, started playing its home games last season on a new AstroTurf® field at Barron Stadium in Rome, Georgia. That stadium also happens to be the host stadium for the NAIA National Championship game. So, while the Highland Cavaliers are looking forward to playing their home games this year on their own AstroTurf®, it’s probably a safe bet to say they would like to be in a position to play on the AstroTurf® in Rome, Georgia in December.
The team will get its chance for a march on Georgia when they kick off the 2011 season at home on their new AstroTurf® on September 3rd against Webber International.
About AstroTurf®
For many athletes and sport enthusiasts, the AstroTurf® brand has redefined the way the game is played. AstroTurf® offers advanced, state-of-the-art, multi-sport, and specialized synthetic turf systems with proprietary engineered technologies, leveraging a vertically integrated manufacturing system. A growing number of high schools, colleges, professional sports teams and municipalities select AstroTurf®-branded products for their premium quality, technical superiority, and safety. To learn more, visit www.astroturfusa.com. You can also check out AstroTurf® on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/AstroTurf/124352067595110.
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
TEXAS A&M DEPARTMENT OF RECREATIONAL SPORTS ADDS ASTROTURF® FIELDS
(COLLEGE STATION, Texas) - Texas A&M University has enlisted the help of AstroTurf® to create more playing opportunities for the approximately 15,000 students who participate in intramural sports and sport clubs at the College Station school.
The Penberthy Rec Sports Complex is a 48-acre facility which plays host to the outdoor intramural and sport clubs programs for Aggie students. The complex was named for W.L. Penberthy, the father of intramural sports at Texas A&M.
Over 463,500 square feet of that facility is being converted to AstroTurf®. Construction is underway and all fields are scheduled for completion by August.
“We knew we needed to make a change to synthetic turf,” said Rick Hall, Senior Associate Director of Rec Sports. “We talked with several turf companies and educated ourselves throughout the process. AstroTurf® is the one that impressed us. We feel like we’re getting the best turf system at a very affordable price.”
Hall, along with other representatives from Texas A&M, visited Brenham High School’s Cub Stadium field and the eight AstroTurf® fields at West Texas A&M University during the process, and came away knowing that AstroTurf® was the right decision.
The fields will be constructed of AstroTurf® GameDay Grass™ Extreme. The new surface contains the all new Horseshoe™ fiber. Horseshoe™, is an Omega-shaped fiber which has better mechanical memory and remains upright longer, has a more grass-like ball roll, and offers the best aesthetics of any field. It is combined with the AstroTurf® XP fiber. XP is a slit-film product which offers better infill encapsulation, best resistance to wear, and great pile density. The product also features texturized RootZone®. RootZone® is a fiber which acts as a thatch layer, creating minimal rubber splash, uniform energy return, and better shock absorbency, while encapsulating the infill and reducing migration.
Burnside Services is handling all base and drainage work on the project, as well as all driveways and parking lots. Burnside is operated by Tommy, Dayle, and Jake Burnside, all of whom attended Texas A&M.
“This is, by far, the largest athletic field project we have worked on,” said Tommy Burnside. “This is about 11 acres of turf and we will be moving 50,000 yards of dirt.”
Two of the fields will be 150 yards X 100 yards and will primarily host intramural sports events such as flag football and soccer. Each field can accommodate two flag football fields or modified soccer fields. Each field will also be able to be converted to full-size fields for soccer, lacrosse, and ultimate.
“We have one of the largest intramural sports and sport clubs programs in the country,” said Hall. “Athletes use those fields from 6:00 p.m. until midnight, five days a week and we were wearing out our fields by the sheer volume of play.”
The weather didn’t help either. According to Hall, from September to the end of January in 2008, they had 7 inches of rain and 20 lost rain days. In the same period, from September 2009 until January 2010, they had nearly 20 inches of rain with 44 lost rain days. They needed an alternative.
“With AstroTurf® we are getting surfaces which are not affected by the weather,” said Hall. “Also, it allows us to implement some field rotation to help keep our natural grass fields in great shape. Rotation was a luxury we didn’t have before.”
Intramural sports, first brought to college campuses in 1913, continue to grow in both popularity and importance. According to the National Intramural-Recreational Sports Association (NIRSA), 75% of students who attend school offering recreational sports programs and facilities, participate in or use them. That numbers equals approximately 5.3 million students.
A 2006 study published in Recreational Sports Journal said 31% of students reported that an intramural sports program was an important factor in attending the college, and over 37% said those same programs were important in deciding to stay at the school. 83% of students said they participate in recreation sports on a weekly basis, and 93% said they would like to.
“We have a lot of prospective students and parents who look at our indoor and outdoor rec sports facilities,” said Hall. “I have no doubt it influences their decisions. It is a key factor in the development of life skills and wellness. It also has some effect on the recruiting of faculty and staff members.”
The other two fields will be 150 yards X 85 yards and will host the university’s sport club programs such as lacrosse, soccer, ultimate, and rugby.
Sport clubs are also an important part of the collegiate recreational landscape. Over 80 sports are offered for sport clubs at colleges across the country and nearly 11,000 sport clubs are registered and active at NIRSA member institutions.
While the Texas A&M project is a large one by most standards, it is just part of a growing trend toward recreational sports development. In 2008, NIRSA estimated nearly $4 billion in recreational sports facility construction between 2008-2013. Those project estimates were for 96 new construction projects, 62 expansion projects, and 62 renovation projects, with an average project price of about $21 million and covering about 90,000 square feet.
The growth in projects such as this will make Texas A&M a showcase facility for others looking at similar projects. Hall said they will be hosting regional workshops for other schools later in the year and anticipates spending a lot of time showing the new AstroTurf® fields and touting the positive benefits of having them. He is also expecting calls from other high schools and municipalities which are exploring the benefits of synthetic turf.
The fields at Penberthy will also have an added environmental and economic impact. In 2010, BASF did a study comparing AstroTurf® fields to natural grass fields. In 11 environmental categories, AstroTurf® had a lower environmental footprint than natural grass. Factors contributing to this include reduced maintenance and mowing, which cause a variety of emissions. Other factors include elimination of fertilizers and pesticides, as well as the need for water. AstroTurf® fields also use soy-based polyols in the backing of products, reducing their dependence on foreign oil.
From an economic standpoint, over 20 years, AstroTurf® fields are 15% less expensive than natural grass fields, even when the cost of turf replacement is considered.
“We are proud to be a part of this enormous project at Texas A&M University,” said Bryan Peeples, President of AstroTurf®. “Recreational and club sports are so important and these fields will allow Texas A&M to provide the very best surfaces available, while ensuring the growth of their programs over the years to come.”
About AstroTurf®
For many athletes and sport enthusiasts, the AstroTurf® brand has redefined the way the game is played. The company offers advanced, state-of-the-art, multi-sport and specialized synthetic turf systems with proprietary engineered technologies, leveraging the industry’s first vertically integrated manufacturing system. A growing number of high schools, colleges, professional sports teams and municipalities continue to select AstroTurf®-branded products for their premium quality, technical superiority and safety. Recent innovations from AstroTurf® include GameDay Grass™ 3D with RootZone®, a polyethylene/nylon hybrid system which most closely replicates natural grass; a non-chemical antimicrobial shield protecting against MRSA and other infectious bacteria; and AstroFlect™ Technology which significantly reduces turf surface temperatures. To learn more, visit www.astroturfusa.com.
The Penberthy Rec Sports Complex is a 48-acre facility which plays host to the outdoor intramural and sport clubs programs for Aggie students. The complex was named for W.L. Penberthy, the father of intramural sports at Texas A&M.
Over 463,500 square feet of that facility is being converted to AstroTurf®. Construction is underway and all fields are scheduled for completion by August.
“We knew we needed to make a change to synthetic turf,” said Rick Hall, Senior Associate Director of Rec Sports. “We talked with several turf companies and educated ourselves throughout the process. AstroTurf® is the one that impressed us. We feel like we’re getting the best turf system at a very affordable price.”
Hall, along with other representatives from Texas A&M, visited Brenham High School’s Cub Stadium field and the eight AstroTurf® fields at West Texas A&M University during the process, and came away knowing that AstroTurf® was the right decision.
The fields will be constructed of AstroTurf® GameDay Grass™ Extreme. The new surface contains the all new Horseshoe™ fiber. Horseshoe™, is an Omega-shaped fiber which has better mechanical memory and remains upright longer, has a more grass-like ball roll, and offers the best aesthetics of any field. It is combined with the AstroTurf® XP fiber. XP is a slit-film product which offers better infill encapsulation, best resistance to wear, and great pile density. The product also features texturized RootZone®. RootZone® is a fiber which acts as a thatch layer, creating minimal rubber splash, uniform energy return, and better shock absorbency, while encapsulating the infill and reducing migration.
Burnside Services is handling all base and drainage work on the project, as well as all driveways and parking lots. Burnside is operated by Tommy, Dayle, and Jake Burnside, all of whom attended Texas A&M.
“This is, by far, the largest athletic field project we have worked on,” said Tommy Burnside. “This is about 11 acres of turf and we will be moving 50,000 yards of dirt.”
Two of the fields will be 150 yards X 100 yards and will primarily host intramural sports events such as flag football and soccer. Each field can accommodate two flag football fields or modified soccer fields. Each field will also be able to be converted to full-size fields for soccer, lacrosse, and ultimate.
“We have one of the largest intramural sports and sport clubs programs in the country,” said Hall. “Athletes use those fields from 6:00 p.m. until midnight, five days a week and we were wearing out our fields by the sheer volume of play.”
The weather didn’t help either. According to Hall, from September to the end of January in 2008, they had 7 inches of rain and 20 lost rain days. In the same period, from September 2009 until January 2010, they had nearly 20 inches of rain with 44 lost rain days. They needed an alternative.
“With AstroTurf® we are getting surfaces which are not affected by the weather,” said Hall. “Also, it allows us to implement some field rotation to help keep our natural grass fields in great shape. Rotation was a luxury we didn’t have before.”
Intramural sports, first brought to college campuses in 1913, continue to grow in both popularity and importance. According to the National Intramural-Recreational Sports Association (NIRSA), 75% of students who attend school offering recreational sports programs and facilities, participate in or use them. That numbers equals approximately 5.3 million students.
A 2006 study published in Recreational Sports Journal said 31% of students reported that an intramural sports program was an important factor in attending the college, and over 37% said those same programs were important in deciding to stay at the school. 83% of students said they participate in recreation sports on a weekly basis, and 93% said they would like to.
“We have a lot of prospective students and parents who look at our indoor and outdoor rec sports facilities,” said Hall. “I have no doubt it influences their decisions. It is a key factor in the development of life skills and wellness. It also has some effect on the recruiting of faculty and staff members.”
The other two fields will be 150 yards X 85 yards and will host the university’s sport club programs such as lacrosse, soccer, ultimate, and rugby.
Sport clubs are also an important part of the collegiate recreational landscape. Over 80 sports are offered for sport clubs at colleges across the country and nearly 11,000 sport clubs are registered and active at NIRSA member institutions.
While the Texas A&M project is a large one by most standards, it is just part of a growing trend toward recreational sports development. In 2008, NIRSA estimated nearly $4 billion in recreational sports facility construction between 2008-2013. Those project estimates were for 96 new construction projects, 62 expansion projects, and 62 renovation projects, with an average project price of about $21 million and covering about 90,000 square feet.
The growth in projects such as this will make Texas A&M a showcase facility for others looking at similar projects. Hall said they will be hosting regional workshops for other schools later in the year and anticipates spending a lot of time showing the new AstroTurf® fields and touting the positive benefits of having them. He is also expecting calls from other high schools and municipalities which are exploring the benefits of synthetic turf.
The fields at Penberthy will also have an added environmental and economic impact. In 2010, BASF did a study comparing AstroTurf® fields to natural grass fields. In 11 environmental categories, AstroTurf® had a lower environmental footprint than natural grass. Factors contributing to this include reduced maintenance and mowing, which cause a variety of emissions. Other factors include elimination of fertilizers and pesticides, as well as the need for water. AstroTurf® fields also use soy-based polyols in the backing of products, reducing their dependence on foreign oil.
From an economic standpoint, over 20 years, AstroTurf® fields are 15% less expensive than natural grass fields, even when the cost of turf replacement is considered.
“We are proud to be a part of this enormous project at Texas A&M University,” said Bryan Peeples, President of AstroTurf®. “Recreational and club sports are so important and these fields will allow Texas A&M to provide the very best surfaces available, while ensuring the growth of their programs over the years to come.”
About AstroTurf®
For many athletes and sport enthusiasts, the AstroTurf® brand has redefined the way the game is played. The company offers advanced, state-of-the-art, multi-sport and specialized synthetic turf systems with proprietary engineered technologies, leveraging the industry’s first vertically integrated manufacturing system. A growing number of high schools, colleges, professional sports teams and municipalities continue to select AstroTurf®-branded products for their premium quality, technical superiority and safety. Recent innovations from AstroTurf® include GameDay Grass™ 3D with RootZone®, a polyethylene/nylon hybrid system which most closely replicates natural grass; a non-chemical antimicrobial shield protecting against MRSA and other infectious bacteria; and AstroFlect™ Technology which significantly reduces turf surface temperatures. To learn more, visit www.astroturfusa.com.
MEMORIAL STADIUM IN DALHART, TEXAS GETS NEW ASTROTURF FIELD
(DALHART, Texas) - Dalhart High School and Dalhart Junior High School will soon be playing their home games in a completely revamped Memorial Stadium.
Part of the process includes the installation of a new AstroTurf® field, which is now underway. The overall project, which is being funded by a nearly $5 million Qualified School Construction Bond, with no tax rate increase, will cover a variety of projects.
The project will completely renovate Memorial Stadium, adding an eight-lane track and AstroTurf® field, as well as a new field house, concession stand, and public restrooms. It will also provide playground space and equipment at Dalhart Intermediate School, repair of damage to the intermediate and elementary schools, and completion of the Spirit Trail.
“We are thrilled about the new field,” said Dalhart ISD Superintendent David Foote. “This is the best thing for our kids. Our students are excited and the people in the community are excited. We’ve needed this for a long time.”
According to Athletic Director and Head Football Coach Stephen Young, much of the decision to go to synthetic turf was based on three major factors.
“First, we faced costs such as water, fertilizer, pesticides, and mowing, said Young. “Second, we deal with a large number of weather-related issues. We could have 12 inches of snow or be facing a drought. Finally, the overall facility was in disrepair. It has been around since 1943 and it is just time.”
Foote, Young, and others looked at turf surfaces offered by a variety of companies. The Golden Wolves play on a couple of synthetic turf surfaces during the year, but the AstroTurf® field at Muleshoe High School helped seal the deal.
The new field, like the one at Muleshoe, will feature AstroTurf® GameDay Grass™ 3D60H. This surface features the all new Horseshoe fiber. This new fiber is enjoying unprecedented success in the sports field marketplace, due to factors such as its unique shape. The fiber is an “Omega” shape with two end columns with a thicker diameter. The design imparts mechanical memory so that the fiber remains upright longer, unlike other fields whose fibers quickly flatten and split or shred at the spine. The Horseshoe™ fiber continues to spring back to its original configuration, even after years of heavy foot traffic or exposure to ultra-violet radiation.
The field also has a face weight of 60 ounces of fiber per square yard, the highest in the industry. This adds to the durability provided by the fiber shape.
In extensive testing, the Horseshoe® fiber performs most like natural grass from ball roll, to slide
resistance, to the biomechanical function of cleats penetrating and releasing properly. A study at Michigan State University, funded by NFL Charities, found that AstroTurf® GameDay Grass™ systems looked and performed more like natural grass than any other synthetic product measured, also making it the safest option.
The Horseshoe® fiber’s shape also allows it to reflect light and heat away from the surface. That, in combination with AstroFlect™ heat reduction technology, can lower surface temperatures by as much as 18%.
The Horseshoe™ fiber was introduced in 2010 and is already in use on practice fields at schools such as Stanford and the University of Tennessee; baseball game fields for the Tampa Bay Rays, Wake Forest, Duke; and numerous high school football fields around the country.
“This is a playing surface that is second-to-none,” said AstroTurf® President Bryan Peeples. “We are extremely proud of this surface and we know that students and people of Dalhart will be, too. There is nothing like the pride and spirit that comes with having a playing field like the one Dalhart is building.”
The field at Dalhart will also have an added environmental and economic impact. In 2010, BASF did a study comparing AstroTurf® fields to natural grass fields. In 11 environmental categories, AstroTurf® had a lower environmental footprint than natural grass. Factors contributing to this include reduced maintenance and mowing, which cause a variety of emissions. Other factors include elimination of fertilizers and pesticides, as well as the need for water. AstroTurf® fields also use soy-based polyols in the backing of products, reducing their dependence on foreign oil.
From an economic standpoint, over 20 years, AstroTurf® fields are 15% less expensive than natural grass fields, even when the cost of turf replacement is considered.
“We can’t wait to play on this field,” said Young. “We had a good team last year and I wish they could have played on it. But, I’ve told our kids who are coming back that the baton has been passed and this is their opportunity to perform and to perform on a championship-caliber field.”
The Golden Wolves will get that opportunity at home on September 9th, against Brownfield.
About AstroTurf®
For many athletes and sport enthusiasts, the AstroTurf® brand has redefined the way the game is played. The company offers advanced, state-of-the-art, multi-sport and specialized synthetic turf systems with proprietary engineered technologies, leveraging the industry’s first vertically integrated manufacturing system. A growing number of high schools, colleges, professional sports teams and municipalities continue to select AstroTurf®-branded products for their premium quality, technical superiority and safety. Recent innovations from AstroTurf® include GameDay Grass™ 3D with RootZone®, a polyethylene/nylon hybrid system which most closely replicates natural grass; a non-chemical antimicrobial shield protecting against MRSA and other infectious bacteria; and AstroFlect™ Technology which significantly reduces turf surface temperatures. To learn more, visit www.astroturfusa.com.
Part of the process includes the installation of a new AstroTurf® field, which is now underway. The overall project, which is being funded by a nearly $5 million Qualified School Construction Bond, with no tax rate increase, will cover a variety of projects.
The project will completely renovate Memorial Stadium, adding an eight-lane track and AstroTurf® field, as well as a new field house, concession stand, and public restrooms. It will also provide playground space and equipment at Dalhart Intermediate School, repair of damage to the intermediate and elementary schools, and completion of the Spirit Trail.
“We are thrilled about the new field,” said Dalhart ISD Superintendent David Foote. “This is the best thing for our kids. Our students are excited and the people in the community are excited. We’ve needed this for a long time.”
According to Athletic Director and Head Football Coach Stephen Young, much of the decision to go to synthetic turf was based on three major factors.
“First, we faced costs such as water, fertilizer, pesticides, and mowing, said Young. “Second, we deal with a large number of weather-related issues. We could have 12 inches of snow or be facing a drought. Finally, the overall facility was in disrepair. It has been around since 1943 and it is just time.”
Foote, Young, and others looked at turf surfaces offered by a variety of companies. The Golden Wolves play on a couple of synthetic turf surfaces during the year, but the AstroTurf® field at Muleshoe High School helped seal the deal.
The new field, like the one at Muleshoe, will feature AstroTurf® GameDay Grass™ 3D60H. This surface features the all new Horseshoe fiber. This new fiber is enjoying unprecedented success in the sports field marketplace, due to factors such as its unique shape. The fiber is an “Omega” shape with two end columns with a thicker diameter. The design imparts mechanical memory so that the fiber remains upright longer, unlike other fields whose fibers quickly flatten and split or shred at the spine. The Horseshoe™ fiber continues to spring back to its original configuration, even after years of heavy foot traffic or exposure to ultra-violet radiation.
The field also has a face weight of 60 ounces of fiber per square yard, the highest in the industry. This adds to the durability provided by the fiber shape.
In extensive testing, the Horseshoe® fiber performs most like natural grass from ball roll, to slide
resistance, to the biomechanical function of cleats penetrating and releasing properly. A study at Michigan State University, funded by NFL Charities, found that AstroTurf® GameDay Grass™ systems looked and performed more like natural grass than any other synthetic product measured, also making it the safest option.
The Horseshoe® fiber’s shape also allows it to reflect light and heat away from the surface. That, in combination with AstroFlect™ heat reduction technology, can lower surface temperatures by as much as 18%.
The Horseshoe™ fiber was introduced in 2010 and is already in use on practice fields at schools such as Stanford and the University of Tennessee; baseball game fields for the Tampa Bay Rays, Wake Forest, Duke; and numerous high school football fields around the country.
“This is a playing surface that is second-to-none,” said AstroTurf® President Bryan Peeples. “We are extremely proud of this surface and we know that students and people of Dalhart will be, too. There is nothing like the pride and spirit that comes with having a playing field like the one Dalhart is building.”
The field at Dalhart will also have an added environmental and economic impact. In 2010, BASF did a study comparing AstroTurf® fields to natural grass fields. In 11 environmental categories, AstroTurf® had a lower environmental footprint than natural grass. Factors contributing to this include reduced maintenance and mowing, which cause a variety of emissions. Other factors include elimination of fertilizers and pesticides, as well as the need for water. AstroTurf® fields also use soy-based polyols in the backing of products, reducing their dependence on foreign oil.
From an economic standpoint, over 20 years, AstroTurf® fields are 15% less expensive than natural grass fields, even when the cost of turf replacement is considered.
“We can’t wait to play on this field,” said Young. “We had a good team last year and I wish they could have played on it. But, I’ve told our kids who are coming back that the baton has been passed and this is their opportunity to perform and to perform on a championship-caliber field.”
The Golden Wolves will get that opportunity at home on September 9th, against Brownfield.
About AstroTurf®
For many athletes and sport enthusiasts, the AstroTurf® brand has redefined the way the game is played. The company offers advanced, state-of-the-art, multi-sport and specialized synthetic turf systems with proprietary engineered technologies, leveraging the industry’s first vertically integrated manufacturing system. A growing number of high schools, colleges, professional sports teams and municipalities continue to select AstroTurf®-branded products for their premium quality, technical superiority and safety. Recent innovations from AstroTurf® include GameDay Grass™ 3D with RootZone®, a polyethylene/nylon hybrid system which most closely replicates natural grass; a non-chemical antimicrobial shield protecting against MRSA and other infectious bacteria; and AstroFlect™ Technology which significantly reduces turf surface temperatures. To learn more, visit www.astroturfusa.com.
Thursday, May 12, 2011
WILLIAM SMITH COLLEGE GETTING NEW ASTORTURF FIELD HOCKEY SURFACE
(GENEVA, New York) - For the William Smith Herons field hockey team, it’s AstroTurf®……again.
The highly successful NCAA Division III program has announced the selection of an AstroTurf® 12 system to replace the current AstroTurf® system at H.J. McCooey Memorial Field.
The team, coached by longtime veteran Sally Scatton has made an undeniable impact on collegiate field hockey. In her 22 years at the helm, the Herons have won NCAA Division III titles in 1992, 1997, and 2000, with 20 post-season appearances. Under Scatton, the Herons have never had a losing season. The team has also won the Liberty League title 9 times since it was formed in 1995.
Scatton has chaired the NCAA Division III Field Hockey Committee and was selected as the National Field Hockey Coaches Association (NFHCA) Regional and National Coach of the Year three times. Scatton is a graduate of Ithaca College, where she played field hockey and lacrosse for four years, and basketball for three years. In 1997, she was inducted into the Ithaca College Sports Hall of Fame. In 2007, she was inducted into the William Smith Heron Hall of Honor, and on January 9, 2010, Scatton was inducted into the NFHCA Hall of Fame.
The successful pedigree of Scatton and her team are also reflected in the stadium where they play. H.J. McCooey Memorial Field seats 1,500 and features an AstroTurf® 12 field which was installed in 2000. The field has hosted three NCAA Championships; the 2002 NCAA Division III Women’s Soccer Championship, the 2006 NCAA Division III Field Hockey Championship, and the 2007 NCAA Women’s Lacrosse Championship.
“When it came time to replace our current AstroTurf® surface, it quickly became clear that a new AstroTurf® system was the right choice for William Smith,” said Coach Scatton. “For the past 10 years, our team has practiced and competed on AstroTurf® and I love the quality and durability of the product. The approval by our president and Board of Trustees to install AstroTurf® 12 reinforced our commitment to providing the best possible playing experience for our student-athletes. This project will allow us to continue to have one of the finest collegiate field hockey facilities in the nation.”
The new surface will also be an AstroTurf® 12 system. The field will be engineered with a proven, premium knitted nylon fiber designed to provide uniform traction and consistent footing. It will improve playability when it’s wet and absorbs water to maintain wet conditions longer.
Construction is under way and will be completed by early July.
“William Smith has truly made a mark in collegiate field hockey,” said Pam Hixon, hall of fame field hockey coach and Field Hockey Ambassador with AstroTurf®. “Coach Scatton, the athletes, and the support of the college have made this program so successful. That success is also in no small part due to the AstroTurf® field they play on. It’s the finest surface in the world. Having a brand new AstroTurf® surface for next season will, no doubt, make the program even more successful.”
AstroTurf® 12 systems were first used in an international field hockey event in 1975 in Montreal. The same field hosted the Olympics in 1976. Since then, they have become the preferred surface for field hockey events around the globe.
AstroTurf® surfaces were also used in the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta and 2008 Olympics in Beijing. The AstroTurf® 12 system has also seen play in the Pan Am games, World Cup and numerous other field hockey events. The U.S. National team trains on AstroTurf® in Chula Vista, California, and Virginia Beach, Virginia.
Also, a new AstroTurf® 12 system is used by the University of Maryland, 2011 NCAA Division I Champions. To date, all NCAA Division I National Championships have been played on AstroTurf® fields. The 2011 event will be held at the University of Louisville, on a new AstroTurf® 12 surface just like the ones the Herons will be playing on.
The Herons will open their season on the new AstroTurf® field on September 1, 2011, when they face Oswego State.
About AstroTurf®
For many athletes and sport enthusiasts, the AstroTurf® brand has redefined the way the game is played. The company offers advanced, state-of-the-art, multi-sport and specialized synthetic turf systems with proprietary engineered technologies, leveraging the industry’s only vertically integrated manufacturing system. A growing number of high schools, colleges, professional sports teams and municipalities continue to select AstroTurf®-branded products for their premium quality, technical superiority and safety. Recent innovations from AstroTurf® include GameDay Grass™ 3D with RootZone®, a polyethylene/nylon hybrid system which most closely replicates natural grass; TurfAide™, a non-chemical antimicrobial shield protecting against MRSA and other infectious bacteria; and AstroFlect™ Technology which significantly reduces turf surface temperatures. To learn more, visit www.astroturfusa.com.
The highly successful NCAA Division III program has announced the selection of an AstroTurf® 12 system to replace the current AstroTurf® system at H.J. McCooey Memorial Field.
The team, coached by longtime veteran Sally Scatton has made an undeniable impact on collegiate field hockey. In her 22 years at the helm, the Herons have won NCAA Division III titles in 1992, 1997, and 2000, with 20 post-season appearances. Under Scatton, the Herons have never had a losing season. The team has also won the Liberty League title 9 times since it was formed in 1995.
Scatton has chaired the NCAA Division III Field Hockey Committee and was selected as the National Field Hockey Coaches Association (NFHCA) Regional and National Coach of the Year three times. Scatton is a graduate of Ithaca College, where she played field hockey and lacrosse for four years, and basketball for three years. In 1997, she was inducted into the Ithaca College Sports Hall of Fame. In 2007, she was inducted into the William Smith Heron Hall of Honor, and on January 9, 2010, Scatton was inducted into the NFHCA Hall of Fame.
The successful pedigree of Scatton and her team are also reflected in the stadium where they play. H.J. McCooey Memorial Field seats 1,500 and features an AstroTurf® 12 field which was installed in 2000. The field has hosted three NCAA Championships; the 2002 NCAA Division III Women’s Soccer Championship, the 2006 NCAA Division III Field Hockey Championship, and the 2007 NCAA Women’s Lacrosse Championship.
“When it came time to replace our current AstroTurf® surface, it quickly became clear that a new AstroTurf® system was the right choice for William Smith,” said Coach Scatton. “For the past 10 years, our team has practiced and competed on AstroTurf® and I love the quality and durability of the product. The approval by our president and Board of Trustees to install AstroTurf® 12 reinforced our commitment to providing the best possible playing experience for our student-athletes. This project will allow us to continue to have one of the finest collegiate field hockey facilities in the nation.”
The new surface will also be an AstroTurf® 12 system. The field will be engineered with a proven, premium knitted nylon fiber designed to provide uniform traction and consistent footing. It will improve playability when it’s wet and absorbs water to maintain wet conditions longer.
Construction is under way and will be completed by early July.
“William Smith has truly made a mark in collegiate field hockey,” said Pam Hixon, hall of fame field hockey coach and Field Hockey Ambassador with AstroTurf®. “Coach Scatton, the athletes, and the support of the college have made this program so successful. That success is also in no small part due to the AstroTurf® field they play on. It’s the finest surface in the world. Having a brand new AstroTurf® surface for next season will, no doubt, make the program even more successful.”
AstroTurf® 12 systems were first used in an international field hockey event in 1975 in Montreal. The same field hosted the Olympics in 1976. Since then, they have become the preferred surface for field hockey events around the globe.
AstroTurf® surfaces were also used in the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta and 2008 Olympics in Beijing. The AstroTurf® 12 system has also seen play in the Pan Am games, World Cup and numerous other field hockey events. The U.S. National team trains on AstroTurf® in Chula Vista, California, and Virginia Beach, Virginia.
Also, a new AstroTurf® 12 system is used by the University of Maryland, 2011 NCAA Division I Champions. To date, all NCAA Division I National Championships have been played on AstroTurf® fields. The 2011 event will be held at the University of Louisville, on a new AstroTurf® 12 surface just like the ones the Herons will be playing on.
The Herons will open their season on the new AstroTurf® field on September 1, 2011, when they face Oswego State.
About AstroTurf®
For many athletes and sport enthusiasts, the AstroTurf® brand has redefined the way the game is played. The company offers advanced, state-of-the-art, multi-sport and specialized synthetic turf systems with proprietary engineered technologies, leveraging the industry’s only vertically integrated manufacturing system. A growing number of high schools, colleges, professional sports teams and municipalities continue to select AstroTurf®-branded products for their premium quality, technical superiority and safety. Recent innovations from AstroTurf® include GameDay Grass™ 3D with RootZone®, a polyethylene/nylon hybrid system which most closely replicates natural grass; TurfAide™, a non-chemical antimicrobial shield protecting against MRSA and other infectious bacteria; and AstroFlect™ Technology which significantly reduces turf surface temperatures. To learn more, visit www.astroturfusa.com.
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