Albertus Magnus College Breaks Ground for New Softball Complex

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Courtesy of Albertus Athletics Communications

New Haven, Conn – Albertus Magnus College broke ground on Monday, May 1, 2017 for a new state-of-the art, multi-purpose softball complex at its Prospect Street campus. The new field will serve as the home field for the women's softball team, the site also will accommodate dugouts and batting cages, and provide additional practice space for other Albertus teams.  The college competes in the NCAA's Division III and Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC). 

Estimated start for the project is May 8; completion is expected in mid-August.

Sr. Anne Kilbride, O.P., interim president of the Albertus Magnus, reminded Trustees, faculty, staff, students, and alumni of the college's May Day that was a celebration of dancing around a maypole and the crowing of a May queen and her court. "Today is quite a contrast in celebrations for May 1, but it points to the commitment of the College to adapt and change to the needs for current students. The field also represents a response to sustainability since the AstroTurf material will meet all criteria for safety and health for our students," she said. The field will be constructed using 100-percent recycled EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer) rubber, a safer and more sustainable product than SBR (crumb rubber). 

Located in the heart of campus, the complex will allow the college to expand its offerings of men's and women's varsity sports, intramurals and student programming.  Community groups will have access to the complex. Jim Abromaitis, director of athletics, said "The addition of this complex continues the College's commitment to Albertus athletics and the important benefits of athletics for our students."

Raymond J. Peach, Trustee and chair of the finance committee added that a new era began six years ago for Albertus athletics with a ribbon cutting on the updated Celentano field. "Today, we celebrate the ground breaking for a new softball complex, honoring the extraordinary bequests of Dr. Carol Ann Shea, Class of 1945, and James O'Connor Shea, her brother. We look forward to many successful seasons for our student athletes on this field."  Vice President for Development and Alumni Relations, Carolyn Behan Kraus noted that donor contributions such as the Shea's and the Celantano's play an important role in the College's growth and its ability to meet the evolving needs of students.

Senior softball player Rachel Cataudella (Shelton, Conn.) assisted with the ground breaking and noted, "It is a great honor to have the support and encouragement from the City of New Haven, Board of Trustees, Coach Ed Emeilita, Sister Anne, and Mr. Abromaitis.  The first time we got the news about this turf field we had no idea that within a year the field would be ready to go for the next season. All of this would not be possible without all the hard work and dedication that these people have done throughout this year. The softball team and coaching staff would like to personally thank all you have done for this program."

William Guerrero, vice president for finance and treasurer, said "This is a great moment for the past, present, and future of Albertus Magnus College.  It is a symbol of all the hard work in our storied history and a demonstrated commitment to its bright future."

Project vendors include: design and build firm The WBA Group, Inc. of Branford, Conn.; engineering group Cabezas-DeAngelis Engineer and Surveyors of Bridgeport, Conn.; and general contractor Empire Paving, Inc. of North Haven, Conn.