High Point Panthers Receive $2 Million for Baseball Training Facility

HIGH POINT, NC - An anonymous out-of-state supporter has committed a $2 million gift for an indoor baseball training facility at High Point University. The facility - a fully enclosed, 11,000-square-foot structure that will include indoor batting and pitching cages, locker rooms for players and coaches, and other amenities - will be located next to Williard Stadium.

"This facility is the latest upgrade for the High Point University baseball program and Athletic Department," says Craig Keilitz, HPU Athletic Director. "Once again, we have a major donor to thank for supporting HPU and helping raise the profile of High Point University sports teams. The training facility will be a huge asset to coach Craig Cozart and his staff in helping HPU baseball players improve on the field."

The indoor baseball training facility will include a hitting and pitching area, which will give the HPU baseball program a distinct advantage for training throughout the year. It will also include permanent video cameras that will be used for video review and training purposes. The facility will also feature a player lounge, a team conference room and trophy display area.

"The addition of this facility will further enhance the improvements made to Williard Stadium and Erath Field over the past three years," said head coach Craig Cozart. "One of the most important aspects of any baseball program is the ability to develop the talent of the players on the team, and this facility will allow us to do that like never before. The facility helps differentiate High Point University from other baseball programs in the league and region, and it's just another example of what makes HPU such an extraordinary place. I want to thank our donor for making this possible."

"The university is fortunate to have so many individuals who realize the power in investing the educational experience for our students," said Bill Doerr, senior director of institutional advancement. "We were delighted to partner with this donor to make a true and immediate impact on our athletic program."

The primary entrance to the facility will lead into a multi-use room with luxury furnishings that will serve as a player lounge, team conference room and trophy display area. The facility will have a 30-by-50 foot player locker room equipped with professional-level wooden lockers and a full video and sound system, as well as a locker room for the coaches.

"We're so excited about the addition of this facility," said senior outfield Matt Gantner. "From a training and development standpoint, it's huge. There will be indoor batting cages and mounds with cameras mounted on all four walls - it's so important to be able to break down our swinging motion, and pitching motion for the pitchers - it's really going to take our program to the next level."

The new baseball training facility is just the latest in the facility upgrades for the HPU baseball program and all of High Point University Athletics. Erath Field has long been home to HPU baseball, and it has undergone major renovations since 2001, including a new infield, irrigation and scoreboard. Williard Stadium was dedicated in 2007, with the addition of 501 custom purple seats, a full press box and hospitality suite, restrooms, a concession stand and lights.

Cozart and his staff of Bryan Peters, Rich Wallace and Daniel Latham joined High Point University in the summer of 2008.

"This training facility, the improvements to the stadium and the hiring of Coach Cozart and his staff have really increased the viability of High Point University's baseball program," said Scott Davis, baseball coach at Wesleyan Christian Academy in High Point. "In the past, HPU was lacking in some of these areas but the training facility, stadium, a first-class coaching staff and a first-class administration have made it a very attractive destination for top-flight talent. They will now be able to attract the high-level local talent as well as the high-level national talent to the HPU baseball program."

Also in 2007, the Jerry and Kitty Steele Sports Center was opened and the Richard F. Vert Track and Soccer Stadium was rededicated. The Steele Center houses offices and locker rooms for most outdoor sports and administrators, as well as an academic study area and weight room. Vert Stadium is one of the finest in the region for soccer and track & field. In the summer of 2008, the James H. and Jesse E. Millis Athletic and Convocation Center underwent major renovations to better serve the HPU men's and women's basketball and volleyball teams.

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