FRIENDS of VMI SOCCER
An UNOFFICIAL Website of fans, by fans, and for fans of
The Virginia Military Institute Soccer Program
News Archives – March -May 2006
May 23rd - Coaches Corner and Women's Schedule have been Updated
We've added “End of the Year” comments from both coaches Freakley and Williams. Check it out. Coaches Corner
Women's Schedule(final?) has been added to Upcoming Events
May 12th- The Future is Now!
Patchin Field Improvements Have Begun
The construction equipment has arrived and the much anticipated improvements to Patchin Fiald have begun. Work is beginning to regrade the soccer game/practice fields to provide a new regulation width and properly graded game field for the VMI Soccer Teams. This work is being performed in conjunction with, and to make room for, the new VMI Baseball stadium. General Peay's Vision for the Future of VMI is beginning to take shape and the New VMI is beginning to become reality! Other improvements underway including a major renovation of Alumni Memorial Stadium and the football practice facilities. When you hit post next fall, you will be impressed. Major improvements are taking shape. Those partial to the soccer program can take pleasure in knowing that a new soccer field and stadium (where the tennis courts are currently located) are on the horizon.
Seven years ago, Men's Soccer Coach Stephen Ross knew that if quality soccer players were going to come to VMI, some much needed improvements to our then spartan facilities would need to be made. At the suggestion of Athletic Director Donnie White, Stephen challenged a group of alumni to help raise funds to improve the existing soccer field, which at the time was no more than a clumpy grass field surrounded by a chincy chain link fence. The Alumni responded with the “Foundation for the Future Campaign”. The campaign raised a small sum and with generous supplements from the Institute, improvements were made to the soccer facilities. Stephen lived up to his end of the bargain. He recruited a great many quality athletes to VMI and the men's program has climbed to unforeseen heights. Coaches Davis and Williams have also had tremendous success in luring women to come to VMI to play soccer. The foundation that was built is very stable and it is beginning to be built upon.
The new improvements should be a pleasure for both players and fans. The teams will enjoy playing games on a nice, wide, regulation surface, with regulation sidelines and no ditches along the borders to contend with. The fans will enjoy more spacious sidelines(no more weaving through the crowd or waiting to give room for a throw in if you are walking down the sideline). Modern restrooms will be much closer to the field and concession facilities will be available also.
The loss of the extra practice field may pose a few logistical obstacles for the coaches, but the new synthetic turf that is being installed behind Alumni Memorial Stadium will give the soccer teams the opportunity to practice on this increasingly popular field surface before traveling to opponents with the same type game fields.
The Future is Now! VMI Soccer is continuing to climb to new heights. Thank you General Peay, and thanks to all the Alumni who helped to build the foundation.
P.S. The webmaster managed to salvage a “peaceful” quantity of the old bermuda turf. He will gladly send a few plugs to any alumnus who contributed to the Foundation for the Future Campaign. Send me an e-mail, webmaster@friendsofvmisoccer.com.
The concrete structure rising up out of the rock will house the new concession/restroom facilities on Patchin Field.
New lights have been added to the baseball field.
The new synthetic turf Dulaney Practice Field nears completion.
A new drainage pipe has beeen installed below the football field to eliminate flooding in Cameron Hall.
New concession facilities are being built at the west end of Alumni Field.
Alumni Memorial Stadium is receiving a major face lift.
What's missing from this picture? It ain't the handicap ramp.
Expanded weight room/locker room facilties are being added on.
May 9th - Alexi Staton Signs on as Fifth Recruit for the Women's Team
Looks like another Top Notch recruit is headed our way. We found this recap from last weeks games in Roanoke:
Northside 8, Alleghany 1
ALLEGHANY -- Alexi Staton scored two of her four goals in the first half as Northside (8-6, 5-0 Blue Ridge) jumped out to a 4-0 halftime lead over Alleghany (2-12-1, 0-5). Kayla Lee and Jill Smith combined for 20 Mountaineer saves.
May 3rd - Check out VMIKeydets.com for the following headlines:
Sorry for the delay in posting, but you have probably already read these anyway.
Women’s Soccer Wraps Up Spring Season with Clinic For Local Girls
Women’s Soccer Announces Signings of Falconi & Beach
Nweke Named to Men's Soccer All-State Second Team
Henry Ellis Joins VMI Staff as Assistant Soccer Coach
Despite Recent Slump, VMI Baseball is Having Very Good Season
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