July 27, 2010

RUSTON, La. - In addition to Louisiana Tech's Quest for Excellence campaign, many more athletic facility improvements are taking place this summer on the Tech campus.

The most noticeable improvement is what is happening at the Lady Techster Soccer Field. In preparation for the 2010 Western Athletic Conference Soccer Championships to be hosted by LA Tech Nov. 4, 5 and 7, permanent bleachers are being installed along the south side of the field. A press box is also being installed atop the bleachers as the additions are on schedule to be completed by the Lady Techsters' first home game on Aug. 27.

"The team had been looking forward to having a ground of their own, and it is exciting for everyone involved to see it grow," said Tech soccer head coach Kevin Sherry. "The grounds staff has done such a great job on giving the team a fantastic playing surface to play on, and now with the inclusion of a bleacher and press box we have something to show our visiting recruits and call home."

The scoreboard at J.C. Love Field was spruced up with the addition of two brick pillars, one on each side of the scoreboard. The bricks, which match the façade and surroundings of J.C. Love Field, were donated by Ruston Brick.

In the Charles Wyly Athletic Center, a 35-foot mural depicting legendary Louisiana Tech sports figures was placed on the wall in the hallway by the east entrance. The athletes featured spans from basketball Hall of Famers Karl Malone and Teresa Weatherspoon to current football player Phillip Livas to former softball standout Amber Miles.

Also going through a change is the department that sees the most visitors than any other department, the Tech ticket office. The majority of the change is appearance with new flooring put in as well as painted walls, a new front door, a new sales counter and office furniture. New storage spaces were added as well to give the office the space needed for tickets and other ticket office necessities.

"The renovations will transform the ticket office into a first class space for fans to come and purchase tickets to athletic events," said Assistant Athletics Director of Ticket Operations Zach Williams. "A new design to the office will give the ticket office more space for customers in the office and more sales space for quicker process time."

The money for the ticket office renovation was donated by a Tech alum.