SIMPLY THE BEST: Pacific University's Sherman-Larkins Stadium Receives The Stabilizer Solutions/NFCA Field Maintenance Award
Sherman-Larkins Stadium Named Field Of The Year
Pacific's two-year-old softball facility is awarded the Stabilizer Solutions/NFCA Field Maintenance Award as the top small college softball field in the United States
FOREST GROVE – Two years after trading in their recreation diamond for a first class stadium, the home of Pacific softball has been recognized as one of the top fields in the United States.
Sherman-Larkins Stadium, the home field for Pacific softball, was the NCAA Division II/Division III winner of the 2009 Stabilizer Solutions/National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) Field Maintenance Award winner. The award was presented during the NFCA National Convention, held Dec. 9-12 in Nashville, Tenn.
Sherman-Larkins Stadium was one of two college fields to be recognized with the award. Farrington Softball Stadium in Tempe, Ariz., home of the Arizona State softball program, was named as the NCAA Division I winner.
“To be recognized alongside Arizona State’s field, which is always talked about as one of the best in the nation, is certainly a high honor,” said Pacific Head Softball Coach Tim Hill. “We are proud of our facility and appreciate all of those who have contributed to its construction and upkeep.”
One of three athletic facilities built as a part of the Lincoln Park Athletic Complex, Sherman-Larkins Stadium opened for play in March 2008. It is regularly lauded as one of the top softball stadiums in the Northwest and at the small college level anywhere in the nation.
Sherman-Larkins Stadium is the only softball facility in the Northwest Conference to offer both enclosed bullpens and a double batting cage. The field, always maintained at a meticulous level, has a grass border surrounding the infield as well as a crushed granite warning track around the entire playing surface. The stadium’s permanent grandstand seats 300 fans behind home plate and up the first and third base line, providing exceptional sight lines.
The amenities provided for Pacific players are among the best for collegiate softball at any level. Large covered dugouts provide more than ample storage for players’ equipment, helmets and bats. Drinking fountains in each dugout keep cold, running water available during games. Attached storage areas keep field maintenance equipment close by for quick starts between doubleheader games.
Sherman-Larkins Stadium is named in honor of former Pacific softball coach and director of athletics Judy Sherman, who led the Boxers to six conference championships and five national tournament appearances. Additionally, the field also honors the Larkins family, who was instrumental in developing the first softball fields in Forest Grove.
The Lincoln Park Athletic Complex, which included Sherman-Larkins Stadium, Chuck Bafaro Baseball Stadium at Bond Field and Lincoln Park Stadium, is jointly operated facility by Pacific University and the City of Forest Grove. Owned by the city, the complex was developed by Pacific University and opened in phases between September 2007 and March 2008.
Pacific will begin practice for the 2010 season on January 11. The season begins on Sat., Feb. 20, with the Boxers playing the College of Idaho and British Columbia at the Northwest Cup Tournament at Portland’s Delta Park. Pacific’s first home contest will be a doubleheader with Corban on Mon., Mar. 1.
Posted by Blake Timm (timmbr@pacificu.edu) on Jan 8, 2010 at 2:01 PM
