Novae Corp. donates $25,000 to baseball field renovations
The HCCSC Board of School Trustees approved a $25,000 donation from Novae Corp. to the Huntington North baseball program during Monday night’s board meeting. The funds from the donation will be put toward the renovations taking place at Huntington North’s baseball field.
The renovations being made include a new batting cage structure, new outfield fencing, a leveled right field playing surface and retention wall and a new backstop behind home plate. Three motivating factors fueled the renovations: Safety for players, improved viewing experience for fans and better functionality of the facility.
Huntington North baseball head coach and administrator Jarod Hammel noted the new batting cage will not only improve safety, but also allow the program to maximize the effectiveness of practice time and player instruction, while the outfield fence and right field surface upgrades will greatly decrease the maintenance needed for both areas.
According to Hammel, players and coaches would spend hours replacing playing field material and filling in holes in right field when heavy rain would occur, but, thanks to the improvements being made, the right field maintenance should now be significantly reduced.
Another component of the renovations Hammel is excited for is the new backstop. The backstop will feature a brick kick wall and a net screen and will be moved closer to home plate. The renovations will not only bring fans closer to the action, but will also allow for far better field visibility compared to the previous chain-link fencing backstop. Hammel hopes the improved viewing experience will also excite young fans and inspire them to take the field as a Viking in the future.
“These are the most significant improvements that our baseball field has seen since its inception, and in speaking to a lot of alumni from a variety of decades, everyone is very excited for Viking baseball,” Hammel said. “It is even more special that the community is stepping up to fund the project. Viking baseball has impacted, and will continue to impact, hundreds of young men. Our current coaches and players take seriously the responsibility of being good stewards of what we have been given. We look forward to representing our school and community well!”
Also part of the donation agreement is a 10-year sponsorship and advertising deal featuring Novae signage posted on both sides of the new backstop and in media guides and game programs.
Novae Corp. President and COO Chris Storie noted Novae’s commitment to investing in the Huntington community and the next generation of Vikings as a driving force for the donation.
“Novae Corporation has always had a strong sense of responsibility in regards to supporting our community and school corporation,” Storie said. “We are a mission-driven company and believe it is important to partner with local organizations to enhance and improve opportunities within Huntington County. We are hopeful that the investment that is being made at Huntington North will help foster an environment of pride and continuous improvement for the baseball program. Huntington North baseball has a rich history and we are proud to provide our support to the school and all of the players.”
The renovations are expected to be fully complete in time for the start of the 2022 season.