By Thomas Corhern, TTU Sports Information
COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – The Tennessee Tech baseball and softball teams will take to the diamond with new surfaces in the 2024 season as both Quillen Field at the Averitt Express Baseball Complex and Tech Softball Field will see the additions of turf fields for competition.
The process has recently begun with the removal of the natural surface, while Tech Athletics will continue its partnership with The Motz Group for the installation of top-of-the-line Shaw Sports Turf systems.
"The turf project is a much-needed addition to both facilities and we are excited to be partnering with The Motz Group once more," said Tech Director of Athletics Mark Wilson. "Through our efforts together in the past, we have seen excellent service and quality in these projects, and that made them an easy choice to enter this new endeavor with us as we refresh these facilities."
In place of the natural surface, Tech and Motz are installing its state-of-the-art TruHop system. With baseball and softball needs in mind, TruHop is designed with various turf specifications and infill ratios to fit each performance area of the field. On the warning track, Motz will use its 100-percent organic infill, Safeshell, which is made from walnut shells, to help create a safe and elevated transition from the outfield to the warning track.
"Turf surfaces are becoming commonplace throughout the country in our sport," said Tech baseball head coach Matt Bragga. "It is fantastic for us in so many ways, but in particular in dealing with weather. No more tarping the field, less practice and games missed or moved because of the rain and just a better, more consistent playing surface for our guys. Also, and maybe most importantly, it's what baseball players and recruits want in 2023. We are grateful to our great University, the Tech Athletic Department and Mark Wilson for making this happen. I cannot wait to see what the future holds for this great program."
Tech softball head coach Danielle Penner agreed: "This is an exciting project for us as we update Tech Softball Field," she said. "Our student-athletes are thrilled to be the first to play on this new surface. This update will reduce field maintenance and allow us more time and energy to prepare for our next opponent. We'll also have fewer games and practice sessions wiped out from inclement weather. It's an exciting time for Tennessee Tech Softball."
Tech Athletics has worked with The Motz Group for over 15 years on athletic projects, including two field installations and maintenance at Tucker Stadium and the current Shaw Legion Pro system.
The two new field surfaces are the latest in the region The Motz Group has installed, including the University of Cincinnati, University of Dayton, Ohio University, Centre College and Alice Lloyd College. Shaw Sports Turf systems are also employed by the Arizona Diamondbacks, Texas Rangers and Miami Marlins in their Major League Baseball facilities.
"It's a privilege to have been chosen once more by Tennessee Tech University to collaborate with our dedicated team in the installation of synthetic turf for their baseball and softball fields," said Motz senior field consultant Stephen Torbeck. "Alongside our partners at Shaw Sports Turf, we're committed to continue to provide the University with cutting-edge synthetic turf systems that excel in both performance and playability. This project builds upon our successful history of delivering top-tier surfaces to Tennessee Tech, showcasing The Motz Group's unwavering commitment to excellence."
Founded in 1977 and serving the high-performance natural and synthetic turf markets, Motz is one of the world's most recognized and highly respected turf system specialists. Headquartered in Cincinnati, this employee-owned company celebrates 45-plus years in the industry and proudly stands behind its products and services to ensure long-lasting, prosperous relationships with its valued customer base. Motz's core values – Championship Quality, Integrity, Think As An Owner, Innovation and Self-Enrichment – serve as guiding principles and help drive excellence and high achievement throughout the Company and to each employee-owner. Motz is also a proud Certified Evergreen company and is committed to moving people to better lives.
Learn more about The Motz Group by visiting themotzgroup.com.
