By ADAM P. BARR

Staff Writer

Hard work and money went into the upper softball field, located on Tech Drive, to get ready for this year's softball intramurals.

"In August we disked the field, installed a sprinkler system and leveled it out with a road grater," Ronnie Wiggins, director of the Maxie Lambright Intramural Sports Center, said.

Wiggins said the field was pummeled from constant use over the summer.

It was in desperate need of renovations to make it safer for the students and supply a better field for the use of everyone.

"The summer camps we had here this past summer were hard on the field and resulted in a need to repair," Wiggins said.

Wiggins said the fields are getting new equipment that was needed to improve safety.

"We ordered railing for the outfield fence that is bright yellow so the outfielders can see the fence better," Wiggins said.

He also said the backstop behind home plate will no longer be a chain-linked fence.

"We're going to use nylon netting for the backstop," Wiggins said. "And it will be higher and extend farther around both sides of the backstop."

Wiggins said it is an ongoing operation, but that will come to an end soon.

"We're doing all we can to get the fields ready for intramurals, but we need the weather to cooperate," Wiggins said.

Sam Meza, intramural softball participant and a junior health and physical education major, said people have been wondering if the field was going to be finished in time for the beginning of the intramural season.

"The field has been under construction for six months and has been making my team worry if the field was going to be completed or if we were going to have to play on the lower field," Meza said.

Meza said his team is practicing around town and will be ready to play.

"We are practicing already and we really don't want to worry about the field's availability," Meza said.

Bobby Dowling, assistant director of intramural sports, said there are a lot of teams that come out and participate.

"We have about 75 teams that play every spring," Dowling said.

He also said the upper and lower fields are works in progress but will be completed.

"We need both fields to get the softball intramurals finished in a timely manner," Dowling said.

Meza said he played for the enjoyment of the game and to get involved with campus.

"Softball is a good way for people to get involved and I hope for a good competitive season," Meza said