ESU Holds Groundbreaking at Whitenight Field

EAST STROUDSBURG - East Stroudsburg University is launching the ESU Athletic Fields Turf Project, a fundraising campaign to install synthetic ("artificial") turf at Eiler-Martin Stadium and Whitenight Field, Director of Athletics Dr. Tom Gioglio has announced.

The installation of artificial turf at both venues is the next phase in the renovation of athletics facilities at ESU. In the last two years, an all-weather track and lights have been installed at Eiler-Martin Stadium.

The project will benefit the Warriors' football, men's and women's soccer, field hockey and lacrosse programs and recreational sports. The newly turfed fields will also be available for community use and other sporting events.

"The installation of artificial turf fields at both Eiler-Martin Stadium and Whitenight Field will pay huge dividends for ESU in our ability to attract and recruit talented student-athletes. Maintaining quality facilities for our student-athletes is a top priority and this project will continue to improve our athletic programs and attract community groups to our fields," Gioglio said.

The benefits of artificial turf for ESU include lowering the cost of maintaining the school's athletic fields and the installation of an environmentally-friendly playing surface that will lower water use and eliminate the need to use fertilizer and pesticides that are commonly required to maintain natural grass fields.

The artificial turf will also make ESU's facilities available for use on a year-round basis, and will help limit injuries to student-athletes by providing a superior playing surface, particularly in inclement weather.

"We will have a true multi-purpose facility in Eiler-Martin Stadium, which will give us greater flexibility to host both NCAA and PIAA events to showcase East Stroudsburg University," Gioglio mentioned.

ESU will join 13 other Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference schools that currently have one or more turf fields, including PSAC East members Bloomsburg, C.W. Post, Kutztown, Millersville and West Chester.

The estimated total cost to turf both fields is approximately $1.7 million. ESU has already received a $300,000 Pennsylvania state challenge grant provided by State Senator Bob Mellow and $150,000 from the ESU Student Activity Association. The balance of the funds needed will be secured through donations.

"While this is an ESU project, we are looking for a broad range of support from ESU alums, coaches, faculty, students, fans and local businesses and corporations," added Gioglio.

Contributions in the form of cash donations, pledges, payroll deductions for ESU faculty and staff, credit cards and estate gifts are being accepted by the ESU Advancement Office. For more information on how to contribute to the ESU Athletic Fields Turf Project, please contact the Office of Advancement at (570) 422-3333.