BELMONT, N.C. — This summer, one of the primary goals within the Belmont Abbey College Department of Athletics was to improve the current facilities as part of the ever-changing athletic footprint on campus. The
Facilities Team successfully finished 14 of the 23 planned projects, with an additional nine currently underway and nearing completion.

"These significant facility enhancements are emblematic, serving as 'proof of concept,' of Belmont Abbey College's commitment to Virtue and Excellence," Vice President and Director of Athletics Stephen Miss said about the projects.  "By optimizing the experience we provide our students who utilize these facilities, all of us who work in Abbey Athletics can bring into sharper focus the objective that is our collective vision: regional and national relevance for every program, every year."

Throughout the outdoor facilities, extensive maintenance occurred on Alumni Field and the two practice fields, with the game field receiving a new set of competition goals for the soccer programs. In addition, an extended contract with Turf Tank was secured. By utilizing GPS Navigation system, this enhancement will significantly expedite the process of lining all fields in an efficient manner.

Moving inside to the Wheeler Center, improvements included refinishing the court, alongside installing a state- of-the-art digital scorer's table and sound system. The old sound system was successfully re-purposed for daily usage inside the Sports Performance Center. Within the Athletic Training Room, a fresh and vibrant look covers every square foot and on Father John's Ledge, two additional closets were built for team storage.

In the brand new Woodlawn Facility, two more projects were checked off the list. The Golf program constructed a chipping and putting green, while the Cycling Team moved to a new location on campus and received interior improvements for their practice space.

This Summer's success was generated through the leadership efforts of Justin Bates, Associate Athletic Director of Internal Operations, and Dean Frankenberg, Assistant Director of Facilities, combined with the collaboration of campus maintenance and grounds, the Abbey Athletic Training Staff, and the coaching staffs of Men's and Women's Golf and Soccer.

"Twenty-three projects was an ambitious goal for us. We wanted to ensure we improved every facility our students compete in and on," said Justin Bates. "We look forward to finishing the remaining projects and continuing to build assets which assist in the accomplishments of our students."

In total, the overall investment adds up to over $400,000, indicating the commitment to the Crusader student- athletes and collective objective to strive for success.

To stay in the know on the growth and for day-to-day updates, be sure to follow @AbbeyFacility on Twitter and visit the Abbey Athletics website.