SAN ANTONIO, Texas – The University of the Incarnate Word has received the second-largest donation in UIW Athletics history thanks to a commitment by Methodist Healthcare System and Metropolitan Methodist Hospital, the department announced today. The $250,000 gift will be used for the installation of a new football field surface with concussion prevention infill in Gayle and Tom Benson Stadium, with the project scheduled for completion by June 1, 2018.
 
"Under the leadership of Dr. Thomas Evans and his vision for UIW, there is an exciting future ahead for this campus," Director of Athletics Dr. Brian Wickstrom said. "We hope that the generous leadership gift of Methodist Healthcare System and Metropolitan Methodist Hospital will jump-start additional gifts for future projects. We want UIW Athletics to help build the brand of our university so UIW can be recognized as one of the premier Catholic institutions in the country."
 
To honor the generosity of Methodist Healthcare System and Metropolitan Methodist Hospital and the partnership between the two organizations, the football field will carry the organization's namesake, with branding on the surface.
 
Metropolitan Methodist Hospital is part of the Methodist Healthcare System, a co-ownership between Methodist Healthcare Ministries, South Texas' largest non-public funding source of community health; and HCA, the nation's leading provider of health care services.  The hospital is the System's Center City hospital, servicing San Antonio's downtown and surrounding areas, including the communities of Alamo Heights, Olmos Park, Terrell Hills, Tobin Hill and the Pearl.
 
"Metropolitan Methodist Hospital is proud to help provide a safer environment for student athletes at the University of the Incarnate Word (UIW).  This initiative is an extension of a larger Methodist Healthcare System effort to support student, community and professional athletes throughout San Antonio and surrounding areas," stated Greg Seiler, CEO of Metropolitan Methodist Hospital. "This sponsorship has special meaning for Metropolitan as we are able to align with another faith-based partner, UIW, to extend our mission of Serving Humanity to Honor God," added Seiler.
 
The new turf will span approximately 99,000 square feet and the project will provide UIW Athletics a new, state-of-the-art surface. It will also have a special, first-of-its-kind design that features red and black camouflaged end zones.
 
The field will be constructed with FieldTurf's Classic HD, the company's newest slit-film fiber that includes 9.2 pounds-per-square-foot of infill. Classic HD FieldTurf is carefully crafted to maximize durability and safety of artificial turf, while also being aesthetically pleasing.
 
The Indianapolis Colts, Atlanta Falcons, New England Patriots, Seattle Seahawks and Texas Tech Red Raiders all play on FieldTurf.
 
A three-year study of college football fields with Classic HD FieldTurf showed a 31 percent reduction in ligament tear injuries, compared to natural grass. The study also found that student-athletes incurred 21 percent fewer severe injuries and 11 percent fewer concussion injuries than on a natural grass surface.
 
In a six-year study of Classic HD FieldTurf men's college soccer fields, results revealed 33 percent fewer concussion injuries and 25 percent fewer injuries overall, when compared to natural grass.
 
UIW Athletics hired Texas Tech's Offensive Coordinator Eric Morris to lead its football program in December. Morris announced his first UIW signing class on Feb. 7 at a National Signing Day press conference, with 19 of 20 recruits hailing from the Lone Star State.
 
"We are extremely grateful to Metropolitan Methodist Hospital for making the new field possible," Head Football Coach Eric Morris said. "Its camouflaged end zones and unique design will set us apart nationally, and the technology involved in this project will make the game much safer by reducing the chance of concussions for our student-athletes. I'm excited to see our team on this field in 2018."
 
UIW opens the 2018 season at New Mexico on Sept. 1.
 
For information on UIW football memberships or group opportunities, please call 210-805-3012.
 
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