Breaks Ground on New Infield Turf

October 19, 2020

Briar Cliff University and the Charger baseball program have broken ground on a new infield turf project.

The renovation will begin with a new infield turf for the baseball field at the Bishop Mueller Complex, home of the Briar Cliff University Chargers and Bishop Heelan High School Crusaders. The new infield turf is the first and largest phase of a multi-phase project to the complex and is anticipated to be completed for the spring 2021 season.

“We could not be more excited about making this longtime dream a reality here on The Cliff,” said Dr. Rachelle Karstens, President of Briar Cliff University. “This major initiative benefitting the University and Bishop Heelan would not be possible without the support of our incredible alumni, the Touch ‘Em All Club, our Board of Trustees, Bishop R. Walker Nickless, as well as the generosity of the Siouxland community and the Diocese of Sioux City.” 

The project will be entirely funded through the generosity of Briar Cliff baseball alumni and local donors. Over $300,000 has been raised so far to support this project.

“We are incredibly appreciative of the time, effort, and generosity that went into making this project a reality,” said Briar Cliff Athletic Director Nic Scandrett. “Coach McGlauflin and the Touch ‘Em All Club deserve all the credit for generating enthusiasm among our alumni and supporters for this project. Thank you to everyone involved for answering the call to help make Briar Cliff a top destination for NAIA baseball.”

Briar Cliff will become the first Sioux City area team with infield turf, making BCU a local leader in the sport. The renovation will improve drainage on the field, allowing the Chargers to play more home games while eliminating the need to postpone contests due to inclement weather.

“I am thrilled for our current players and for the future of this program, particularly our returners whose season last spring was dramatically interrupted,” said Head Baseball Coach Corby McGlauflin. “Our players work remarkably hard, both on the field and in the classroom, and are an inspiring group of young men. They deserve this exciting improvement, and I can’t wait to see them on the field this spring.”

The installation of turf will be the latest enhancement to the complex after the completion of the team clubhouse in 2016 and press box in 2018. Additional enhancements to the baseball field at Bishop Mueller Complex are planned throughout 2021.