Courtesy of South Carolina State Athletic Communications
ORANGEBURG, S.C. – South Carolina State held a groundbreaking ceremony Wednesday, Jan. 6, to announce the replacement of the synthetic turf at Oliver C. Dawson Stadium.
The re-surfacing of Willie Jeffries Field will begin immediately and is scheduled for completion in early February, according to Bulldog athletics director Stacy Danley.
The Bulldogs kickoff their spring football season Feb. 20 when SC State hosts North Carolina Central. The facility is also used by the Lady Bulldog soccer team.
Funds for the $353,000 project were raised through private donations from alumni and others via the RISE (Renovate, Innovate, Scholarship and Excellence) Major Gift Initiative spearheaded by Danley and Kemberly Greene, Assistant AD for Development and Community Relations. Over $2.3 million has been raised with pledges and one-time gifts through the initiative, which will also fund the enhancement of other S.C. State facilities, including re-surfacing the Bulldog track and field complex, Danley said.
"It's a great day for Bulldog athletics," Danley said in greeting the attendees at the ceremony, which was streamed live. "What a journey it has been since I had a vision to make the (athletics) department at S.C. State one of the premiere programs in the country. And, I want to thank all of our donors for believing in us.
"The greatest impact of this project is to enhance the welfare of our student athletes," Danley, who is in his third year as Bulldog athletics director, added. "Our effort began some two years ago and I'm proud of this moment and especially happy for our student athletes."
Attendees included a number of RISE donors, school administrators, athletic department staff, students, alumni and community supporters. Over eighty persons participated virtually through Zoom and others viewed the proceedings through Facebook and YouTube.
Those who symbolically broke ground at the ceremony included SC State president James E. Clark, Danley, Green, RISE co-chair Dr. George Bradley, SCSU board chairman Rodney Jenkins, head football coach Buddy Pough, head soccer coach Melissa Sherwood and football player Chris Simmons.
President Clark hailed the initiative which will make participation by SC State athletes and visiting athletes safer and healthier.
"S.C. State has been a beacon for preparing young people seeking to get an education and enjoy stellar experiences," Clark said. "And, athletics has been at the core of notoriety the University has enjoyed. And, it's a tribute to the accomplishments made by our athletes and coaches. I am excited about this project, with it being the first of several that will enhance the experience of our athletes."
Also making remarks during the ceremony were Jenkins, Bradley, Pough, Sherwood, Simmons and Coach Willie Jeffries, who participated vis Zoom.
The turf being replaced at Willie Jeffries Field was installed prior to the 2006 football campaign. Shaw Sports Turf of Calhoun, Ga. is in charge of the project.