The California State University, Stanislaus baseball and basketball teams will soon see reno- vations to their facilities thanks to donations of nearly $250,000.
The donations, made by a group of donors led by CSU Stanislaus Foundation Board member Matt Swanson and his wife, Maria, will renovate the locker rooms for both the men’s and women’s basketball teams, and provide a new bat- ting cage for the baseball team.
“We’re very thankful to have the donations,” men’s basketball head coach Larry Reynolds said. “It will help us upgrade our facilities tremen- dously, which helps the players and will help with
our recruiting.” The renovations for the basketball locker
rooms will include new seating, flooring and lockers. The locker rooms will be repainted, and light fixtures will be repaired. Audio and visual equipment is also being installed, allowing the teams to view film after games.
“It puts a better face on the facilities, especially the inside structure. The outside [of Ed and Bertha Fitzpatrick Arena] looks wonderful after the donations from the Fitzpatrick’s, but the in- side needed some work.”
The new batting cage for the baseball team will be at the same location as the current batting cage, but will consist of a metal building that provides lighting and covering for the team, where the team can practice at night and in all weather conditions.
Swanson donated the cost of materials, equipment, and fees for the batting cage and funded the men’s locker room renovations.
Maria Swanson, board member Kimberly Clauss Jorritsma and Julie Vieira, wife of board member Jim Vieira, provided funds for the reno- vation to the women’s basketball locker room.
Many student athletes are excited about the new renovations.
“It’s an amazing feeling,” senior women’s basketball guard Devin Brown said. “I think that it’s great that they went out of their way to donate for us. We’re looking forward to it.”
The renovations are also expected to boost the morale of the athletics program on campus.
“It raises the enthusiasm level,” women’s basketball head coach Wayman Strickland said. “As a young person, it is really encouraging to know someone has an interest in what you are pursuing and actively reaches out to help you be successful in your endeavor.”
