Wheeling, W. Va. – After months of planning and preparation, the Wheeling University Athletic Department is breaking ground. Phase one of the project will begin on Tuesday, June 16, at 2:30 p.m. with a groundbreaking ceremony at Bishop Schmitt Field.
Phase one of the project will feature a complete overhaul of the Bishop Schmitt Field playing surface and the installation of the field events, including new long jump and pole vault pits. Wheeling University Athletics is committed to providing its student-athletes with the best possible training and competition environment, and this project represents the first step toward achieving that goal.
"It's always a great day to be a Cardinal, but especially today." said Wheeling University Athletic Director Carrie Hanna. "We are so excited to be able to provide our student-athletes with these upgrades, giving them a new and improved home to train and compete. We can't thank Panhandle Cleaning and Restoration and WesBanco Bank enough for their support of our student-athletes and for helping this university continue to grow. We can't wait to see our Cardinals fly high in this new facility now and for years to come."
The Most Rev. Mark E. Brennan of the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston will share a few remarks. He will be joined by representatives from Panhandle Cleaning & Restoration and WesBanco Bank, inc., each of which pledged $500,000 toward the Stadium Improvement Project.
Also, along with Wheeling University officials, attending will be officials from Wheeling Central Catholic High School, which shares Bishop Schmitt Field with Wheeling University for home football and lacrosse games, and Representatives from AstroTurf.
Work is expected to begin next week, with AstroTurf removing the existing playing surface at Bishop Schmitt Field. Once the turf has been removed, crews will prepare the foundation for the long jump and pole vault pits, while ensuring the field's base layer is ready for installation of the new turf.
The new turf is scheduled to arrive on campus on June 22, with installation beginning immediately thereafter. Phase one of the project is expected to be completed by Saturday, July 11, in time for the start of the 80th Annual Rudy Mumley Ohio Valley Athletic Conference (OVAC) All-Star Football Camp.
Once phase one is complete, planning and fundraising efforts for phases two and three will begin. Phase two of the Stadium Improvement Project will focus on the track surrounding Bishop Schmitt Field.
The final phase will focus on the scoreboard with fundraising efforts centered on the installation of a new video board.
"On behalf of the board of trustees, faculty, staff, and students we are grateful for the generous support of Panhandle Cleaning and Restoration and WesBanco Bank to enhance our athletic programs and our entire campus," said Wheeling University President Dr. Dianna Vargo.
The Bishop Schmitt Field Stadium Improvement Project Groundbreaking Ceremony will be held on Tuesday, June 16, at 2:30 p.m. at Bishop Schmitt Field. The event is open to the public. Fans, student-athletes, alumni, and community members are encouraged to attend and celebrate this exciting occasion. Those unable to attend can watch the event via livestream by clicking HERE.
