Sabine field seeks funds

Older than most of the facilities standing, Sabine field has seen over 90 years of Corps march downs, and football games.

The university is now seeking $5 million in gifts and donations to complete a renovation of historic Sabine field, turning to from alumni and friends in order to succeed with the project.

David J. Whaley, vice president of development and alumni relations, is in charge of the Bearing the Torch Initiative, which will fund the Sabine project and a number of others.

Sabine field has been the home of Norwich football since its construction and dedication in 1921. Before its fabrication, the Cadets played football on the upper parade ground. The funds were donated by Dr. George K. Sabine, and in return the field was dedicated to him.

"The Sabine name will remain on the field forever. However, for a donation exceeding $2 million, the University would consider adding ‘Jones' Stadium to the facility," Whaley said.

According to the school's proposal, the renovation includes the installation of synthetic turf, renovation of bleachers, a state-of-the-art press box, a new plaza, and a rubber running track.

Sabine was fourth on the list of major university priorities and had been bumped up for the coming years.

The  Bearing the Torch campaign will run until December of this year. The project includes not only Sabine field, but the Shaw Outdoor Center,and funds for student life and academic enhancements.

Three years ago, the project was the first one the list, according to Whaley. However, a donor provided all of the funds for the newoutdoor center at the base of Paine Mountain, so it was built first.

When a donor restricts their funds to help a certain project, the University has no choice but to follow it. According to Whaley, it's not every day you have a million dollar donation come through,  so when the opportunity presents itself, the University will work with the donor to meet his or her objectives while helping the University move forward.

The final plans for Sabine are now the main priority for finishing the Bearing the Torch Campaign. While only 20 percent of the necessary funds are in, Whaley is confident a majority of the money will arrive in the coming months.

The individuals most affected by this renovation would be the Norwich football players. According to Bill Russell,  in the recent years several of Norwich's opponents have upgraded their faculties and it's important Norwich stays competitive for both the football program and for  recruiting opportunities.

As a result of the renovation of Sabine according to the alumni website, "Norwich will realize long-term cost savings." This is due to the reduced amount of field maintenance required for synthetic turf.

According to www.syntheticturfcouncil.org,  "The installation of nearly 1,000 new synthetic turf fields in 2009 conserved an estimated 500 million gallons of water and reduced the use of fertilizers by well over 1.25 million pounds."

The harsh weather of New England makes maintaining a field that is only used a couple times during the year a challenge.

  "Fac-ops (facility operations) does a great job taking care of the field, but there is only so much they can do," said sophomore football player Colin Young.

  Some of the Norwich football players prefer the grass surface. "Sometimes we use it to our advantage," said Matt Gallagher, a sophomore from Morris Plains N.J.  "Teams aren't used to playing in rough conditions like rain, cold temperatures, and snow."

The construction of a new field won't affect the history and memories gained on Sabine field.

"We hold our program's history dear to us," said Nick Pulaski, a football player from Stratford Conn. "There are many traditions on and off the field, but we can always start new ones."