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News |
Michael D. Chason |
IMMEDIATE APRIL 5,
2006
NEW SOCCER FIELD APPROVED FOR ABAC
TIFTON- With the new women’s soccer program kicking off this year, Abraham Baldwin College has received approval from the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia to start the initial phase of construction on the first ever ABAC soccer field, according to Tom Call, Interim President of the college.
Phase
one of the soccer field project is estimated to cost $780,000. The completion
of the total project is estimated to cost $2.5 million. This cost includes two new intramural
softball fields and an intramural soccer field, all located on the south side
of the campus adjacent to
“Soil tests had to be completed before approval of the field could get underway,” Call said. “Phase one will consist of grading, laying down sod, and irrigating the area.”
Call said construction bids on the first phase will be next on the agenda.
Jimmy Ballenger, coach of the women’s soccer team, said, “I’m very excited about the first phase of the field getting underway. Once the field is complete, I believe it will be the best facility in (NJCAA) Region 17.”
Ballenger has recruited nine players so far, and more are on the way. “I am half way there in having a full team,” Ballenger said.
ABAC Athletics Director Alan Kramer said, “With our enrollment growth, this is a tremendous and necessary project to expand and improve services offered at ABAC. This project will benefit not only the women’s soccer team, but also the student body.”
The first season of Fillies’ soccer starts in August, but the team will have to wait a year to play on home turf. Until then, the team will use the Tift County Recreation Department’s E.B. Hamilton Complex for its games and practices.
The team will play a total of 14 games in the 2006 season. The first game is on Aug. 26 at home against Georgia Military at 2 p.m.
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