SAN ANTONIO -- The University of the Incarnate Word (UIW) Athletics Department has announced phase I of the Daniel Sullivan Field (baseball) and Cardinals Field (softball) renovations. Phase I will include the installation of AstroTurf RootZone Diamond OPS Series field turf, new backstops, netting and other visual improvements to the two fields.
 
"We are excited about the upcoming changes to our baseball and softball facilities," said UIW Director of Athletics Dr. Brian Wickstrom. "Under UIW President Dr. Thomas M. Evans, a lot of exciting progress will be taking place, and this commitment will touch not only hundreds of our student-athletes but thousands of community members for years to come."
 
With the renovations, Cardinals Field will become H-E-B Field, while the baseball field will remain the Daniel Sullivan Field, now sponsored by H-E-B. In addition to installing AstroTurf, the Daniel Sullivan Field home plate and backstop wall will move forward to enhance sightlines.
 
H-E-B is a household name in the state of Texas and will have its logo displayed down the first and third base lines for both baseball and softball. UIW takes pride in working with H-E-B to provide not only a quality product on the playing field, but also in upholding the high standard of education set forth in the mission of the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word and UIW.
 
"With the addition of a new turf playing surface, the excitement surrounding UIW baseball continues," said UIW baseball head coach Patrick Hallmark. "I want to thank Dr. Wickstrom for his persistence on this project. In less than a year on campus, his fundraising efforts have exceeded expectations. Through Dr. Wickstrom's support and through the support and leadership of President Evans, UIW athletics is set to take the next step in competing at the highest levels of college athletics."
 
"We are extremely excited about the turf that's going to be installed at our complex," said UIW softball head coach Joe DiPietro. "Installing the turf is going to have a huge impact on our program and our ability to recruit higher level student-athletes. I can't thank Dr. Wickstrom enough for supporting both the softball and baseball programs. We are blessed to have an athletics director with a clear vision of what UIW needs to be competitive in the Southland Conference."
 
With the installation of AstroTurf, the Cardinals will play on the same playing surface as the University of Michigan baseball and softball teams. In addition, institutions including Vanderbilt, The Ohio State and Oklahoma have AstroTurf.
 
The total project cost is $1.2 million and represents the second largest commitment in the history of the program. This is the second major facility enhancement in Wickstrom's 10 months with the Cardinals. UIW completed installation of Classic HD FieldTurf in Benson Stadium in May. Fundraising initiatives will continue enhancing UIW's facilities to provide an enriched student-athlete experience.