The Southern Arkansas University Muleriders softball team is one step closer to a new field house after a $25,000 gift from Murphy USA of El Dorado. The contribution will help fuel momentum for a $1 million construction project that will begin later this year.
Over the past few years, the university has worked to improve its softball facilities, moving the team from a city-owned park to an on-campus field with modern batting cages. The next phase will see the construction of a locker room, coaches’ offices, a concession stand, public restrooms, and press box.
“We are grateful for corporate partners like Murphy USA who see the importance of investing in the university through intercollegiate athletics,” said SAU President Dr. David Rankin. “Without NCAA Division II athletics, many of our student-athletes would never come to SAU, and they would never have the opportunity to have the life-changing experience of attaining a college degree.”
With a workforce that is 60 percent female, Murphy USA president and CEO Andrew Clyde said investing in organizations that help women succeed was important. He said the partnership between Murphy USA and Muleriders softball was a natural fit.
“This gift from Murphy USA is going to help us take Muleriders softball to the next level of excellence,” said SAU Director of Athletics Steve Browning. “In today’s recruiting environment, facilities can make or break the deal. Providing our softball team with these new facilities will give them the competitive edge they need to continue developing a successful program.”
The Muleriders softball team ended its 2014 campaign with the program’s first-ever conference tournament championship and appearance in the NCAA regional tournament. The 2015 team was recently picked to finish second in the Great American Conference by the league’s coaches.
Although construction is already planned to begin later this year on the softball field house, the SAU Office of Development has opportunities available for additional private partnerships. For more information about being involved in the Muleriders Softball campaign, contact Jeremy Langley, assistant director of development, at (870) 235-5375 or jeremylangley@saumag.edu.
