HOBBS, N.M. – The University of the Southwest, one of the fastest growing intercollegiate athletic programs in the nation, recently announced the completion of a state-of-the-art indoor baseball practice facility.
Having previously received the largest single donor gift in the history of the USW athletic program, USW athletics and its Mustang Baseball program are poised to take the next step in establishing itself as an annual contender for RRAC Championships and NAIA postseason tournament berths.
"The University of the Southwest Department of Intercollegiate Athletics is extremely grateful to the contributing donor, who wishes to remain anonymous, for this very gracious gift that has enabled our indoor baseball practice facility to become a reality," stated Vice President for Institutional Development and Director of Intercollegiate Athletics William Weidner. "Coach Appel, the baseball coaching staff and our baseball student-athletes have worked tirelessly on this project as well as other endeavors at Jake Williams Field. Their efforts, in this regard, are an excellent example of how taking ownership of a vision can lead to an exciting outcome."
"Mustang Baseball is on the rise," continued Weidner, "and we look forward to a bright future in this regard as we continue on our journey towards that destination."
USW head coach Steve Appel believes the construction of the indoor facility will further enhance the university.
"This new indoor facility is going to provide numerous gains for the baseball program here at the University of the Southwest," Appel said. "Within the Red River Athletic Conference, it's a game changer. Not only is it going to give our student-athletes a place to get better daily, it's going to help with the continued recruitment of young men to USW, Hobbs and the local community."
The turfed indoor facility measures 4,000 square feet and 16 feet high while features include three full batting cages, two half batting cages, three portable mounds and several l-screens. There will also be office space for the baseball coaching staff and an athletic training treatment room within the facility.
As for hitting space, it's one of the largest at the intercollegiate level in New Mexico and the Permian Basin.
"I feel that we have one of the best baseball facilities within the conference." Appel added. "I invite the community to watch us play and see some of the great things that we have done within our program here at USW."
