INDIANA, Pa. – The IUP Athletic Department announced field renovations for its baseball and softball programs, specifically adding synthetic turf to Owen J. Dougherty and Ruth Podbielski Fields.
 
The installation project began the week of December 9 with an expectant completion of March 2020.
 
"We are thrilled to announce this new turf project and are looking forward to unveiling a new look on South Campus this spring," said IUP Director of Athletics Todd Garzarelli. "As we continue to build the student-athlete experience, we feel that this project will allow our baseball and softball programs better preparation to perform at a high level and provide an IUP home field advantage."
 
Clark Contractors, Inc. out of Bedford, Pennsylvania will serve as the general contractor and install the A-Turf® surfaces. IUP will be using A-Turf's Titan system.
 
Formerly all-natural surfaces, both Dougherty Field and Podbielski Field will be upgraded with brand new synthetic turf infields, including pitching mounds, backstops and foul territories. The outfields will remain natural grass while Podbielski Field will have a turf warning track.
 
Also included at both fields will be new home and away turf bullpens behind each dugout.
 
"This is a great and exciting time to be part of IUP baseball," said head baseball coach Anthony Rebyanski.

"This is truly a game changer for us in many ways, especially from a recruiting standpoint. When we have a recruit on campus and they see the recent upgrades to Dougherty Field and our practice facilities, they will be excited to be part of the IUP baseball culture.

"With the installation of turf at Dougherty Field, we now have the opportunity to expand on what we are able to do as a program on different levels year-round. This also gives us the opportunity to host more home games during our spring season while allowing our student-athletes to build on their IUP baseball experience."

"I am thrilled for the turf project that will upgrade Ruth Podbielski Field," said head softball coach Shawna Bellaud. "I am excited for a new, modern and specialized field for our program to be able to call 'home.' It will be a great consistent surface for our players and will add to the overall student-athlete experience. The turf will give our spring schedule more flexibility and functionality which will allow us to play smarter on the field and help our student-athletes manage their academic and athletic plans."
 
2020 season
The Crimson Hawks look to unveil their new playing surfaces during a weekend in late March as softball hosts Edinboro in a doubleheader Friday, March 20 while baseball plays Seton Hill in a doubleheader the following day.
 
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For up-to-date information, visit IUPAthletics.com and follow IUP Athletics on Twitter @IUPCrimsonHawk.