2008 guide - Ohio Wesleyan University

Remembering Mr. Rickey CAMPAIGNOhio Wesleyan University is well into its first-evercampaign directed at fulfilling the needs of the University’sathletic and recreation programs as well as the physicaleducation department.Named “Remembering Mr. Rickey,” the campaign willhave a profound impact on all aspects of Ohio Wesleyanathletics. The campaign was announced at Ohio Wesleyan’sCommencement in 2004, the 100th anniversary of Rickey’sgraduation from Ohio Wesleyan. At that event, Rickey’sgrandson, Branch Rickey III ’67, and Jackie Robinson’s daughter,Sharon, together addressed the graduating seniors.As of July, 2008, campaign fundraising had approached$15 million and portions of the vision have become reality.Margaret Sagan Field, the new home of the Ohio Wesleyansoftball team, brings the Bishops back on campus forthe first time since softball was reinstated as a varsity sportin 2000. Along with Margaret Sagan Field, a new press box atadjacent Littick Field was constructed during the fall of 2007.At Selby Field, an OmniGrass artificial playing surfacehas been installed and the George Gauthier Track has beenrebuilt with an Ameritan FP surface, and the fence surroundingthe south end of the field will be rebuilt in 2008.In Edwards Gym, repairs to the skylight and roof werecompleted during the summer of 2007, and a new floor inthe weight room will be installed in 2008.Among the new facilities to be constructed is an aquaticsfacility featuring a 25-yard, 8-lane pool with a diving area.Enhancements to existing facilities are a significant portionof the campaign as well. Major enhancements include:• Gordon Field House will receive a new floor and newnetting, and the roof will be replaced during the summer of2008. Gordon Field House and the adjacent Branch RickeyArena will receive abrightened interior;• Selby Field willreceive a refurbishingof the press box,and the field will belighted to provide additionalopportunitiesfor intramural andrecreational use;• Edwards Gym,which celebrated itscentennial duringthe campaign, willundergo extensiveremodeling to includemore offices andclassrooms, as well as new locker rooms and conference areas.The gym’s second-floor court, Ohio Wesleyan’s originalvenue for intercollegiate basketball, will be resurfaced andrenovated to allow for the possibility of once again hostingintercollegiate competition.Tying the facilities together will be a gateway conceptthat will bridge the north and south athletics areas. Thisgateway will feature green space and be integrated with thecity of Delaware’s upcoming bike path projects.For more information on the Remembering Mr.Rickey campaign, visit the campaign Web site athttp://mrrickey.owu.edu or call 740-368-3300.MARK SHIPPSVice President, University RelationsThe Remembering Mr. Rickey campaign is comprehensive inthat it will touch nearly all of Ohio Wesleyan’s athletic facilities— within one campaign we will be able to significantly impactmost of our 23 sports. The campaign is focused on both athleticsand recreation, and it is estimated that at least 80 percent of thestudent body uses these facilities on a regular basis. The upgradesto the Selby field and track, especially the artificial turf installation,will extend the use of this facility seasonally, and it will allowteams to share the fields even during the individual team seasons.Incoming student-athletes have reported their excitement overthe prospect of playing in renovated and new facilities. Studentathleterecruiting has benefitted not only from the obviousongoing improvement, but also from the planned upgrades andnew facilities that will come on line as we continue to receivecontributions to the Remembering Mr. Rickey campaign.68