The festivities celebrated a multi-million-dollar renovation project that features a brand-new, 5,500-square-foot stadium clubhouse that includes a brand-new locker room, team showers and restrooms, an athletic training room, an industrial-grade laundry room, and a club room for VIP guests. A remodeled home dugout, coaches’ offices, upgrades to the concession stand, press box, public restrooms, and numerous on-field upgrades also were included in the renovation.
The ceremony, which was open to the public, was led by Dr. Mary Hensley, Chancellor of the Blinn College District.
“With these improvements, we truly believe Leroy Dreyer Field provides the best stadium experience of any two-year college in the region,” she said.
Board of Trustees Chair Jim Koklhorst, athletic director Scott Schumacher, first-year head baseball coach Dusty Hart, and sophomore pitcher and infielder Tate Bethel also spoke during the ceremony.
Hart, who began his first season with the Buccaneers Friday afternoon when his team hosted Weatherford College, expressed his gratitude for what he called a “premier facility.”
(Pictured: Blinn College head baseball coach Dusty Hart addresses the crowd during a cereony celebrating the grand opening of the Leroy Dreyer Field fieldhouse Friday, Jan. 27)
“This type of support from our administration and the community just makes you want to work harder,” he said. “It makes you want to go out every day, knowing you have people who support you and will give you what you need to be successful, it makes you want to go out and work that much harder to repay their faith in you.”
Additional upgrades are still in tow for Blinn baseball’s home, with seating upgrades expected to arrive in February.
Blinn has competed in intercollegiate athletics since 1903 and captured 42 NJCAA national championships since 1987.
