Field dedication dates for South Dakota State’s newly renovated baseball and softball facilities have been set for April.
Both Jerald T. Moriarty Field for softball and baseball’s Erv Huether Field have undergone a conversion from a natural grass playing surface to state-of-the-art synthetic tu
rf in recent months. The projects were approved by the South Dakota Board of Regents this past summer, with work beginning in late summer and continuing until completion earlier this month. The project was led by Mid-America Sports Construction, ensuring both fields are ready for an enhanced experience for both student-athletes and fans alike.
Jackrabbit Athletics invites fans, alumni and the community to join in celebrating these milestone projects, which represent the latest large-scale investments in facilities at South Dakota State University.
The Jerald T. Moriarty Field dedication is planned for Saturday, April 5, prior to the Jackrabbits’ scheduled home opener against South Dakota. Fans who attend can enjoy softball-themed donuts prior to the event. Gates will open at 11 a.m., with first pitch set for noon.
The softball portion of the project was made possible through a lead gift from Kevin, Cynthia, and Michele Moriarty, along with significant gifts from GeoTek Engineering and DeBoer Construction.
Recognition ceremonies for the Erv Huether Field project are slated for Friday, April 11, when the Jackrabbit baseball team hosts Summit League rival Omaha. Pre-game ceremonies begin shortly before first pitch at 3 p.m., with gates opening at 2 p.m. Fans attending that day’s event will receive baseball-themed cookies.
An anonymous donor provided the lead gift for the baseball improvements, with two former Jackrabbit student-athletes and their families also making substantial gifts to make the project a reality: Charles and Linda Elhoff and Jimmy and Amber May.
Questions on dedication ceremonies can be directed to the Athletic Development Office at (605) 697-7475, or JackrabbitClub@sdstate.edu. ...read more read less
