Softball field upgrades worth a look
March 6, 2018YUMA, Ariz. – Notice anything different about the Charlie Dine Softball Field? How about a better view from behind home plate? The field received a face lift earlier in the spring when Arizona Western College invested $60,000 in the field to put in a new, state-of-the-art netting system to replace the old, chain-link fence backstop, add a warning track in the outfield and laser level the field.
“We want to say thank you to the college and to the facilities department for their support and investment to get these improvements done,” said AWC athletic director Jerry Smith. “The field and facility look incredible, and the new netting provides such a great view for fans.”
“Seeing the field through the netting instead of that fence feels like I’ve gotten a new pair of glasses,” said AWC’s sports information director Sam Hovan. “The facilities team nailed it. The padding looks crisp and clean, and there is nothing like seeing that field ready for play when we have a game day. It is outstanding.”
The new netting will also help keep softballs game-ready as long as possible. The old fence backstop tore foul balls up over time. The new warning track in the outfield will also help keep outfielders safer as they track down fly balls.
The Lady Matadors have won 11 straight games and swept Mesa on Saturday afternoon. AWC hosts GateWay tomorrow in a doubleheader that begins at noon. Admission is FREE, so head to the Charlie Dine Softball Field to check out the new improvements for yourself!
Arizona Western College is one of the top community colleges in Arizona. The college boasts partnerships with all three state universities that include face-to-face classes in Yuma. AWC leads the state in enrollment growth over the past 10 years and handed out more than 2,300 certificates and degrees in 2016-17.
Sam Hovan
SID/MAA Coordinator
Arizona Western College
Office: (928) 317-7616