Georgian Court University breaks ground on new field turf complex
July 29, 2019 at 12:37 p.m.
The Georgian Court University Lions marked another milestone this week as work began on GCU’s field turf complex. The project consists of a 103,917 square-foot conversion of the current soccer and lacrosse grass field, and is considered an investment in the Lakewood university’s growth.
“The new turf field brings exciting opportunities to Georgian Court,” said GCU President Mercy Sister Rosemary E. Jeffries. “The GCU Lions have a rich history of record-breaking seasons and competitive championships among our women’s teams, and with the continued transition to include men’s sports, the turf field will be a definite asset for all student-athletes.”
GCU, which is building a men’s lacrosse team in time the 2016 season, will benefit in many ways. Mickey Hover, most recently of Immaculata University (Pa.), is GCU’s first men’s lacrosse coach. He joined women’s lacrosse coach Kerry O’Donnell, women’s soccer coach Jim Moore, and men’s soccer coach Dino Raso at the groundbreaking.
“A turf field is a tremendous incentive when it comes to the recruitment of collegiate soccer and lacrosse student-athletes,” said GCU Director of Athletics and Recreation Laura B. Liesman. “The new field will be a welcomed addition to the Georgian Court campus and the top quality athletic venues that we currently provide. It was crucial to develop a playing surface that can withstand the year-round rigors of our NCAA Division II men’s and women’s soccer and lacrosse squads, as well as the unpredictable offerings of Mother Nature.”
The university also expects the turf field to improve scheduling consistency. In previous seasons, teams have lost practice and playing days because of heavy snow or rain-soaked fields. As New Jersey winters sometime drag into early spring, coaches have even run drills in the parking lot to make up for lost practice time.
Manasquan-based Suburban Consulting Engineers, and FieldTurf of Auburn Hills, Mich., are managing the estimated $700,000 installation, which is expected to be complete by late summer.
Founded in 1908 and sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy, Georgian Court University (www.georgian.edu) is a comprehensive, coeducational university with a strong liberal arts core and a historic, special concern for women. A forward-thinking university that supports diversity and academic excellence, Georgian Court serves more than 2,200 students of all faiths and backgrounds in both undergraduate and graduate programs.
The main campus is at 900 Lakewood Ave, Lakewood, on the picturesque former George Jay Gould estate, a National Historic Landmark. Georgian Court also serves students at New Jersey Coastal Communiversity in Wall and through multiple online certificate and degree programs.
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The Georgian Court University Lions marked another milestone this week as work began on GCU’s field turf complex. The project consists of a 103,917 square-foot conversion of the current soccer and lacrosse grass field, and is considered an investment in the Lakewood university’s growth.
“The new turf field brings exciting opportunities to Georgian Court,” said GCU President Mercy Sister Rosemary E. Jeffries. “The GCU Lions have a rich history of record-breaking seasons and competitive championships among our women’s teams, and with the continued transition to include men’s sports, the turf field will be a definite asset for all student-athletes.”
GCU, which is building a men’s lacrosse team in time the 2016 season, will benefit in many ways. Mickey Hover, most recently of Immaculata University (Pa.), is GCU’s first men’s lacrosse coach. He joined women’s lacrosse coach Kerry O’Donnell, women’s soccer coach Jim Moore, and men’s soccer coach Dino Raso at the groundbreaking.
“A turf field is a tremendous incentive when it comes to the recruitment of collegiate soccer and lacrosse student-athletes,” said GCU Director of Athletics and Recreation Laura B. Liesman. “The new field will be a welcomed addition to the Georgian Court campus and the top quality athletic venues that we currently provide. It was crucial to develop a playing surface that can withstand the year-round rigors of our NCAA Division II men’s and women’s soccer and lacrosse squads, as well as the unpredictable offerings of Mother Nature.”
The university also expects the turf field to improve scheduling consistency. In previous seasons, teams have lost practice and playing days because of heavy snow or rain-soaked fields. As New Jersey winters sometime drag into early spring, coaches have even run drills in the parking lot to make up for lost practice time.
Manasquan-based Suburban Consulting Engineers, and FieldTurf of Auburn Hills, Mich., are managing the estimated $700,000 installation, which is expected to be complete by late summer.
Founded in 1908 and sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy, Georgian Court University (www.georgian.edu) is a comprehensive, coeducational university with a strong liberal arts core and a historic, special concern for women. A forward-thinking university that supports diversity and academic excellence, Georgian Court serves more than 2,200 students of all faiths and backgrounds in both undergraduate and graduate programs.
The main campus is at 900 Lakewood Ave, Lakewood, on the picturesque former George Jay Gould estate, a National Historic Landmark. Georgian Court also serves students at New Jersey Coastal Communiversity in Wall and through multiple online certificate and degree programs.
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