MONROE, La. - The ULM department of athletics has secured a gift from Geo-Surfaces for new turf infield at the ULM Softball Complex.
The donation from Geo-Surfaces, valued at $175,000, will cover the cost of the new GeoGreen™ 'Replicated Grass' surface and for the donation, the facility's name will become Geo-Surfaces Field.
The new turf will become only the third NCAA Division I softball facility with a fully-turfed infield in the country, joining Louisiana Tech and the University of Central Arkansas, which were both also installed by Geo-Surfaces.
“I am excited for our student-athletes to have the opportunity to play on one of the top surfaces in college athletics,” Director of Athletics Dr. Brian Wickstrom stated. “This donation contributes to the goal of raising the level of our athletics program to the highest level which Dr. Bruno has committed to helping us get to.”
Geo-Surfaces, a Louisiana Licensed Professional Engineering Firm that specializes in the design, development, construction and installation of high performing sports surfaces and sports lighting systems, has installed more artificial turf fields in Louisiana than all other companies combined.
“I am excited to provide what I believe is the top playing surface in college athletics to the ULM Softball program," Charles Dawson, Geo-Surfaces CEO , stated. "Brian (Wickstrom) did an outstanding job of sharing his vision for the program and the needs for the softball complex. He told a great story and I felt compelled to commit to the program. I am honored to be able to meet a need for the student-athletes.”
They will use their patented GeoFlo shock pad and drainage technology as well as their high density GeoGreen 'replicated grass' on the new turf for the Warhawks, who join a large list of NCAA baseball and softball clients from Louisiana and beyond.
The high end, softball specific skin surface acts and performs like compacted clay and is a very fast surface that allows true ball bounce for slappers and bunting. While other companies install “football field” turf for softball facilities, Geo-Surfaces has set the standard for others to follow when building softball turf infields.
Some of Geo-Surfaces' NCAA baseball and softball clients include: LSU's Alex Box Stadium, LSU's Tiger Park, and the baseball and softball fields at Louisiana Tech, McNeese, Louisiana College, the University of Central Arkansas and Henderson State.
What They Are Saying:
Dr. Brian Wickstrom, ULM Director of Athletics: “I am excited for our student-athletes to have the opportunity to play on one of the top surfaces in college athletics. This donation contributes to the goal of raising the level of our athletics program to the highest level which Dr. Bruno has committed to helping us get to.”
Charles Dawson, Geo-Surfaces CEO: “I am excited to provide what I believe is the top playing surface in college athletics to the ULM Softball program. Brian (Wickstrom) did an outstanding job of sharing his vision for the program and the needs for the softball complex. He told a great story and I felt compelled to commit to the program. I am honored to be able to meet a need for the student-athletes.”
Corey Lyon, ULM head softball coach: “The addition of this surface for our infield is a huge step for our program. When I took this job, I spoke to a lot of athletic directors around the country, including at the Power Five level, and they all said Brian (Wickstrom) would be committed to helping all of the sports programs compete at the highest level. He has kept his word to our student-athletes.”
