NEWPORT NEWS, Va. - Captains Park, the home of Christopher Newport University softball, was honored on Friday by being named one of seven "Fields of the Year." The announcement was made by the National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) along with Netting Professionals.
This award, made possible by NFCA Official Sponsor Netting Professionals, recognizes top fields/stadiums in the nation for their flawless grounds maintenance and exceptional playing surfaces. These locations are selected by the NFCA Awards Committee for NCAA Divisions I, II, and III, NAIA, NJCAA, Cal JC, NWAC, and High School. The winners were nominated by NFCA member coaches and selected by a panel of their peers on the NFCA Awards Committee. They will be recognized on December 9th during the NFCA Convention's annual Awards Brunch.
In its description, the NFCA noted that Captains Park received the honor due to, "A combination of a premier natural playing surface, along with numerous seating options make for a wonderful setup for the teams competing and spectators attending a game. The outfield is a bermuda hybrid with a laser-graded DuraEdge infield mix. In 2015, Captains Park added a climate controlled press box, chairback seating, an unique standing and sitting areas, along with a new lighting system and 38-foot sunken dugouts. Additionally, the facility includes a double batting cage and four-lane home bullpen along with a visitor bullpen. The facility has hosted numerous NCAA Division III regionals and Conference tournaments."Â
Captains Park was the only NCAA Division III facility honored. The other six facilities earning recognition were Kamphuis Field/Liberty Softball Stadium (Liberty University/NCAA DI), Irwin Ballpark (University of Texas at Tyler/NCAA DII), Christensen Memorial Field (Siena Heights University/NAIA), Wrangler Field (Odessa College/NJCAA), FLC Falcon Stadium (Folsom Lake College/Cal JC) and Barrington's Fields of Dreams Complex – Champions Field (Barrington High School).
Click HERE for the complete release from the NFCA.
