Wilson College to upgrade existing soccer field with artificial turf

CHAMBERSBURG, Pa. — Wilson College is set to install a new artificial turf field, aiming for completion by fall 2025, according to a community announcement.

The turf will cover more than 100,000 square feet, upgrading the existing Rhonda Brake Shreiner Soccer Field in Kris’ Meadow. This area, a 28-acre parcel, currently hosts the college’s soccer and softball fields.

The project is a significant step for Wilson College, enhancing its athletic facilities and aiming to boost student-athlete recruitment and retention, according to Wilson College President Wesley R. Fugate.

The new turf will replace the grass soccer field, which is home to the college's women’s and men’s soccer teams, women’s lacrosse and the field hockey team.

“Converting our grass field to artificial turf is a game-changer for the Phoenix,” said Tina Hill, director of athletics. “This marks a significant investment in the future of our programs, ensuring that our student-athletes have access to a safe, durable and high-quality playing surface for years to come.”

The installation is expected to provide a field comparable to competitive intercollegiate programs in the region, allowing teams to play more frequently and with less disruption from adverse weather conditions.

The fields in Kris’ Meadow have been in use since 2000, following a donation from Kris Rodger Sammons and her husband, William Sammons, for the land's purchase. The Rhonda Brake Shreiner Soccer Field was constructed and dedicated in 2002, in memory of Rhonda Brake Shreiner, with additional land donated by The Charles E. Brake Co. The softball field was added in 2003.

The new turf field is a testament to Wilson College’s commitment to providing an optimal environment for student-athletes to train and compete, according to Hill.

This story was created by Janis Reeser, [email protected], with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more at https://cm.usatoday.com/ethical-conduct/.

Exhibition now open at Wilson College