By Easton DeMilia / Staff Writer

The baseball team at Missouri Valley College will debut its new turf field March 10 when the Vikings face Lincoln University, marking the completion of a field renovation project that began last fall.

Head Coach Mike DeMilia sees many positives emerging this season with the addition.

“The players’ sense of pride with the field and facilities matches up with any other school,” DeMilia said.

The new facility has generated excitement within the program. The Delta previously reported that the project included installing a new fence and backstop along with the turf playing surface.

Rowan Robinson, a junior pitcher who transferred to Missouri Valley this year, said the new field gives the program a more professional feel.

“The field looks amazing and has a really professional feel,” Robinson said. “It really means something for the guys.”

The team is also looking forward to returning to Indian Foothills Park, which serves as the Vikings’ home field.

“This year we had to grind it out on the old, torn-up field and then were relocated to Marshall High School,” Robinson said.

Scott Queen, executive director of marketing and communication and associate athletic director at Missouri Valley, said the project will also help with recruiting.

“Recruiting is something that we were very interested in when we first discussed the turf project with the city,” Queen said.

Queen said many high school baseball players are already familiar with turf fields, which could help attract future players to the program.

“I can’t say enough about how cooperative the City of Marshall has been,” Queen said. “They’re just as excited as we are.”

The partnership between the college and Marshall Parks and Recreation played a key role in completing the project.

Preston Peper, park director for Marshall Parks and Recreation, helped oversee the turf installation.

“Preston Peper has been great to work with and has done a great job organizing every detail,” Queen said.

Queen added that Peper’s leadership and attention to detail helped ensure the project was completed successfully.

The new turf field will also provide greater flexibility during the season. Turf surfaces allow teams to play more consistently, reducing rainouts and schedule changes.

“There will be more opportunities to get on the field,” DeMilia said. “We won’t have to worry as much about tearing the field up after rain.”