WILMORE — Just days after opening the Pitts Center for Public Policy and naming a new Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics, the ball just keeps rolling at Asbury University as it has now opened a new indoor practice facility for athletics.

Located between the softball and baseball fields — in the middle of the multimillion-dollar Kirkland Complex on the Asbury campus — the Bowdoin Athletic Practice Facility provides a space for those respective teams to train even in the worst of weather. Inside, there are batting cages, nets, an artificial surface and white paneled walls. The facility will primarily be used for the baseball and softball teams to practice hitting and pitching, but other outdoor athletic teams can also workout in the facility.

“I love softball, I love Asbury and it’s great for student-athletes to have such a wonderful facility to train in,” said senior athlete Alyssa Gaines. “I’m actually a little jealous of everyone that gets to keep utilizing this after me.”

Asbury University President Sandra C. Gray and other University officials made remarks during the dedication, along with student-athletes Kamry Wells, Colton Back and Gaines.

“We’re very excited about the continued expansion of our Athletic Department and facilities, presenting expanded growth opportunities for student-athletes in team building, discipline, faith and leadership,” Gray said. “The Bowdoin Athletic Practice Facility will aid the Athletic Department in advancing an internal spirit of community.”

The major renovations of the Kirkland Complex have already included new lighting and fencing, dugout upgrades, backstop and warning tracks, bleacher and press box upgrades for softball, a laser-graded field with new sod, as well as a press box and stadium seating for baseball. New concessions, restrooms/locker rooms are still a part of the building project campaign.

Similar to the Kirkland Complex, the Bowdoin Athletic Practice Facility is named after a family with a longstanding Asbury connection. The University’s relationship with the Bowdoins spans 70 years and dates back to the late 1940s.

Dr. Herbert L. Bowdoin ’51 was a colleague and dear friend to Rev. Jiles E. Kirkland ‘50 from early childhood and throughout their ministries. His children and grandchildren later attended Asbury. Notably, his son Mike Bowdoin (class of 1986) played on the University’s first intercollegiate baseball team.

For more information about Asbury University or the new Bowdoin Athletic Practice Facility, feel free to e-mail me at any time or call (859) 553-3797.