By: by Mark Toma
KENNESAW, Ga. – As frigid temperatures and blustery winds made outdoor activities in north Georgia nearly unbearable, the Kennesaw State baseball and softball teams enjoyed a new-found warmth as the Indoor Hitting and Pitching Facility opened its doors for the first time this week, providing the perfect nest for the Owls.
“We are just ecstatic to see this dream become a reality,” said Kennesaw State head softball coach and Senior Associate Athletics Director Scott Whitlock. “This is something we have wanted for 20 years and now that we have it we are very happy and pleased.”
The 3,500 square-foot facility, located between Stillwell Stadium and Bailey Park, opened to rave reviews from coaches, players and administrators as softball practice began on Monday and the first official day of baseball practice stands less than a month away.
“This building is a great addition for the softball and baseball teams,” said Whitlock. “It is spacious, detailed to perfection and has already began to pay great dividends for our programs.”
The spacious building houses two pitching mounds for baseball, and four pitching areas for softball. There are two hitting tunnels that can compartmentalize into 10 areas for batters to hit off tees.
“In the past everyone had to battle the cold at this point in the season,” added Whitlock. “Now everyone can just work without the distractions caused by the weather and that’s a big plus.”
While softball practice has officially started, the baseball team is still three weeks away from their first team practice of the season. However, individual workouts have begun in the indoor structure.
“I’m excited for our student-athletes,” said head baseball coach Mike Sansing. “With this facility our players get the opportunity to work on a year-round basis. It is a tremendous asset to our programs and it will allow our teams to achieve their truest potential.”
The on-campus structure is the third completed building for athletics since the Division I transition, following the KSU Convocation Center and Bailey Park. The department has also seen the renovation of the Student-Athlete Success Services Center and the indoor practice facility, which houses the basketball, volleyball and golf programs.
