MCLA Officially Opens Renovated Field

Athletic Director Scott Nichols and President Mary Grant.

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Call it a warmup for the bigger event set for this coming weekend at MCLA's Zavattaro Athletic Complex.

On Saturday, the crowd was mainly players, coaches and college officials, all gathered to officially open the renovated grass soccer field and its newly built press box.

Players have been using the field this season for play and practice, giving the teams their home field back. Last year, both men's and women's teams were transported back and forth to Berkshire Community College to use the Pittsfield school's fields.

Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts President Mary Grant described the ongoing renovations as a way to recognize the importance of student-athletes in the college community.

"I commend the trustees for taking this step, for showing in such a visible way our support of our athletic teams," said Grant, referring both to the grass field and other major improvements at the West Shaft Road complex. "I think we have a facility that we can all be proud of."

Also to speak were head women's soccer coach Deborah Raber, head men's soccer coach Adam Hildabrand and student-athletes Lisa Merrill and Jason Mlodzianowski, both seniors. As Women's Soccer Senior Day, the four senior players, Merrill, Sara Miller, Kristean Kissel and Christina Murray also were honored.

Over the last few years, the complex has undergone major reconstruction. In addition to the grass field, which had $150,000 in drainage work done, the deteriorating tennis courts were given a new $150,000 facelift and a new $1.2 million synthetic turf field was installed on what had been the men's field.

Press boxes were built on both fields by McCann Technical School students. Athletic Director Scott Nichols said the ribbon cutting was held to officially open the field, even though it had been heavily used already.

The field, which had been the women's field, had drainage issues and often was swamped in heavy rain. It will now be used as a practice field by both teams, said Nichols, especially to prepare the Trailblazers for playing on grass, which many schools still have on their fields.

Games will be played by both teams on the new artificial turf field, which will be officially opened next Saturday at 12:30 p.m., when retired soccer coach Ron Shewcraft will be honored for his 30 years at the college. The work at the complex still isn't done — the baseball and softball fields are up next, said Nichols, and, hopefully, paving for the parking lot.

"I can't express how important and supportive President Grant has been to the sports program," said Nichols.

After the ceremony, the women's team trotted off to initiate the new artificial turf field with a 1-1 tie with Framingham that moved them one step closer to tournament play. Next Saturday, once the dignitaries have all spoken, the men will play their final home game of the season against Fitchburg State.

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