Both club and varsity sports were treated to a pleasant surprise upon returning to campus last week. The restructuring that took place over January break to Jones Fieldhouse was completed on schedule, allowing all the teams to commence practices without a hitch.
The multi-sport facility, located between the hockey rink and Dill Field, is now lined wall-to-wall with Safeturf, a top-of-the-line brand Astroturf. The new turf has close-cropped faux-grass and small rubber granules imitating dirt as filler. Once the turf gets enough wear, the imitation rubber will eventually sink down to create a sturdy ground.
As it is, the new surface is sturdy enough. "I think it's a great surface to run and field on," said sophomore Chris Irish, a member of the baseball team. "In the past the hops were dangerous. Now they are predictable and true which makes for a fun and safe environment."
For further safety precautions, a ten-foot radius around the perimeter was painted white to serve as a "warning track" to prevent any athletes from running flat out into the walls.
The renovations are not complete, though. Athletic Director Michael Muska stated that the current lights will be replaced within the semester, possibly with halogen bulbs. "[There will be] a summer paint job as well," said Muska.
The eastern side is now a drab brown and tan that poses a danger when low-flying objects, especially baseballs and lacrosse balls, are flung at high speeds. The balls tend to blend into the background and athletes can lose track of them and be struck. A uniform paint solution would cut down on some of the minor hazards.
All details aside, the restructuring is a hit with all parties. "We haven't had a team have a bad reaction," said Muska. "[But I am] concerned about the wear and tear of different teams playing on the surface."
So far that has not been a problem. Four varsity teams now rotate one and a half hour time slots beginning at 4:30 p.m. and ending at 9 p.m. - baseball, men's and women's lacrosse and the newest addition to Oberlin's Varsity program, women's softball.
According to Muska, several club sports, including ultimate frisbee and the marching band, have also requested practice time. The Ultimate Frisbee team was recently assigned the 10:30-midnight slot.
"The surface is softer and more typical to game surface," said men's lacrosse coach Jim Donovan. "It's a dramatic change, the lack of dust is a great boon. It really picked up our spirits."
Donovan also emphasized the recruiting aspect that complements such a top-of-the-line facility. "The kids come here and it's nice to show them a quality facility. We're pleased that it passed," said Donovan.
Irish echoed Donovan's comments regarding recruitment. "It's a tremendous improvement that creates a feeling that Oberlin is making an effort to show their athletes that they care," said Irish.
With all the hoopla that the new facility has generated, the College will no longer provide practice time to outside groups. Youth baseball leagues and pee-wee soccer will have to seek out new practice establishments.
"There will be no outside groups due to the demand from the College and we want maximum time for campus groups," said Muska.
"I am thrilled about the new turf in Jones, and feel that it is an incredible asset for Oberlin College and to our department," said women's soccer and softball Head Coach Jane Wildman. "What can I say, besides, 'wow.'"
Not only is Jones a hit for player and coaches alike, but, more importantly, a physical manifestation symbolizing Oberlin Athletics' ascent in Division III sports. The man who must take full credit for his hands-on, proactive approach is Muska, who can now check off the renovation to Jones as his first major accomplishment.
But Muska remains humble; he is just happy to be involved. "What was important was just getting the new surface down," said Muska. "What we invested and what we got out of it was great. We told people it would be ready, what an emotional uplift."
Jonesin' for a makeover: The restructuring that was scheduled to take place during Winter Term has been completed, allowing the lacrosse squad and other Oberlin teams to begin practicing. The new-look Field House now features top-of-the-line Astroturf. (photo by Brian Hodgkin)
Copyright © 2000, The Oberlin Review.
Volume 128, Number 13, February 11, 2000
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