Georgia Southwestern holds groundbreaking ceremony for $1.2 million Baseball and Softball Indoor Training Facility

AMERICUS (March 4, 2019) — On Saturday, March 2, Georgia Southwestern State University (GSW) held a groundbreaking ceremony for the new Baseball and Softball Indoor Training Facility, the first facility of its kind within the Peach Belt Conference.

At roughly 7,000 square feet, the new building will serve as a training facility for the baseball and softball teams when weather hinders their ability to practice. With three batting cages and a locker room, the new facility is slated for completion in Fall 2019.

Fully funded by the Canes 360 Program, the GSW Foundation and donations from GSW Athletics supporters, this facility will cost an estimated $1.2 million. “Without Canes 360 and the commitment being made through individuals, this project would not be possible,” stated GSW President Neal Weaver at the ceremony. “It is a great example of how all of us coming together and doing our part, we can really do big, exciting things for the University.”

 “It’s a great day to be a Hurricane!” said GSW Athletic Director Mike Leeder. “It gives me great confidence that in a very short period of time, we will match the competitive success on the field with the competitive success we have had off the field in the classroom and in the community.”

What started as a vision back in 2016 from the parents of former GSW softball player Grayson Sanders, is soon to become a reality. John and Sharon Sanders were in attendance to celebrate alongside the GSW family and Americus community.

Americus Mayor Barry Blount said he couldn’t think of a better event to have than the groundbreaking of a new building that’s not only going to benefit the university, but the community as well. “Georgia Southwestern is a very important part of not only Americus and Sumter County, but the entire Southwest Georgia area,” Blount said.  “Athletics is a very important part of any college or university. I think this is a huge step forward for Georgia Southwestern. It will provide us the opportunity to attract the student-athletes that we want to come to this university. I look forward to coming back and cutting the ribbon when it is completed.”

Located between the baseball and softball fields facing Anthony Drive, the new building will also serve as a safe space during inclement weather while games are in play for soccer, tennis, baseball and softball.

 “I hope each and every one of you can see and feel the level of energy and enthusiasm that the University is experiencing,” said GSW Foundation Board Chair Doug Moses. “You too can be a part of that momentum by making donations to the GSW Foundation.

On site to help break ground with Weaver, Leeder, Blount and Moses, was Peach Belt Commissioner David Brunk, SRJ Architects President and CEO Mike Johnson, Founder of Canes 360 Fund Sam Hunter, GSW Head Baseball Coach Josh McDonald, and GSW Head Softball Coach Nicki Levering.

The next project slated for GSW Athletics will be the Baseball Press Box and Concession Stand.