Lauren Fagler
Published: October 29, 2008
The first phase of Pensacola Junior College’s new $646,000 track and softball field on the Pensacola campus is scheduled to be completed by Nov. 28.
The new women’s softball field, built in accordance with National Collegiate Athletic Association regulations, includes a new batting cage, new and improved intramural fields and the new track.
Second-phase work will include construction of new home and visitor locker rooms, bleachers and public restrooms.
“The design work is being completed now for Phase II, and we hope to do the construction next year but there is no firm schedule at this time,” said Michael Hayse, assistant director of facilities planning and construction.
Currently, new track lights, installation of an asphalt base for the track, a new irrigation well and land grading are all being done.
“Other than some minor setbacks, we are currently on schedule,” Hayse said.
The track will no longer be a traditional oval shape — meaning no more running around in circles. The shape of the new track has been described as a “Grand Prix” shape. It also will have four lanes instead of eight and will be 1/5 mile in length. The track surface will still be asphalt and not rubber.
Athletic Director and head baseball coach Bill Hamilton has a positive outlook about the project.
“I feel it will help the softball fan base and it will cut down on a lot of driving for our coaches and players. We probably spend $100 a week in gas for just one van. This will help recruiting, attendance and peace of mind,” he said.
Reaction to the project is mainly positive on campus.
“I don’t know how Brenda (Pena, softball head coach) and her team travel like that every day,” said Doug Rogers, coordinator of intramurals. “I will personally be making more games this year because I like to watch softball and I now have a convenient view out my window.”
Said team leader and returning pitcher Julianne Beaugh: “I am extremely excited about the new field and I know everyone else is, too. We cannot wait until it is done. It should be done just in time for the spring season.”
Beaugh does not mind the move because the new facilities are closer, nicer and the team will be getting its own batting cages and will no longer have to share and schedule around the PJC baseball team.
Butch Branch, L.I.F.E. center coordinator and SGA/student leadership advisor at the Milton campus, said he was sad to see the softball team leave Milton but understands the reasoning.
“I know that it’s in the best interest of the softball players,” Branch said.
The old field will be used for more parking on the Milton campus, Branch said.
The track on the Pensacola campus has been around since the 1980s.