2007 guide - Ohio Wesleyan University

32Remembering 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 $22 millioncampaign will have a profound impact on all aspects of OhioWesleyan athletics. The campaign was announced at OhioWesleyan’s Commencement in 2004, the 100th anniversaryof Rickey’s graduation from Ohio Wesleyan. At that event,Rickey’s grandson, Branch Rickey III ’67, and Jackie Robinson’sdaughter, Sharon, together addressed the graduatingseniors.As of July, 2007, campaign fundraising had approached$7 million and portions of the vision have become reality.Work has commenced on Margaret Sagan Field, thecompletion of which will bring Battling Bishop softball backon campus for the first time since it was reinstated as avarsity sport in 2000. Both Sagan Field and the press box atadjacent Littick Field are scheduled to be completed duringthe 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.Among the new facilities to be constructed is an aquaticsfacility featuring a 25-yard, 8-lane pool with a diving area.An indoor turf facility also will be built, housing a field ofapproximately 45 yards by 70 yards, or about three-quartersthe size of a regulation football field.Enhancements to all existing facilities are a significantportion of the campaign as well. Major enhancements include:• Branch Rickey Arena will receive a new, glassed-inlobby and entrance on the east side of the existing building,featuring additional seating, space dedicated to All-Americaand Athletics Hall of Fame honorees and providing easier accessto seating and parking;• Gordon Field House will receive a new floor and subsurface,new netting and a brightened interior;• Selby Field will receive a refurbishing of the press boxand existing concrete walls surrounding the field;• The field hockey field will be expanded to meet regulationsize requirements for both field hockey and women’slacrosse;• Edwards Gym, which celebrated its centennial duringthe campaign, will undergo extensive remodeling to includemore offices and classrooms, as well as new locker roomsand conference areas. The gym’s skylight, roof repairs, anda new floor in the weight room were completed during thesummer of 2007.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. Rickeycampaign, visit the campaign Web site athttp://mrrickey.owu.edu or call 740-368-3300.2007 OWU Men’s Soccer