ARTICLE FROM NFCA.ORG

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Seven programs were honored as 2023 Netting Professionals/NFCA Fields of the Year, the Association announced on Friday afternoon. 

Earning recognition in 2023 are Kamphuis Field/Liberty Softball Stadium (Liberty University/NCAA DI), Irwin Ballpark (University of Texas at Tyler/NCAA DII), Captains Park (Christopher Newport University/NCAA DIII), Christensen Memorial Field (Siena Heights University/NAIA), Wrangler Field (Odessa College/NJCAA), FLC Falcon Stadium (Folsom Lake College/Cal JC) and Barrington's Fields of Dreams Complex – Champions Field (Barrington High School).

This award, made possible by NFCA Official Sponsor Netting Professionals, recognizes top fields/stadiums in the nation for their flawless grounds maintenance and exceptional playing surfaces. These locations are selected by the NFCA Awards Committee for NCAA Divisions I, II, and III, NAIA, NJCAA, Cal JC, NWAC, and High School.

The winners were nominated by NFCA member coaches and selected by a panel of their peers on the NFCA Awards Committee. They will be recognized on Dec. 9 during the NFCA Convention's annual Awards Brunch.

NJCAA: Wrangler Field – Odessa College

Wrangler Field, which opened in 2013, is an all-natural playing surface that is maintained by the coaching staff. In 2019, several upgrades were made to the facility which included new turf batting cages, along with the gutting of the home bullpens and resurfacing by the coaching staff. An upgraded windscreen was erected in 2020 and the coaching staff resurfaced and leveled the infield and warning tracks in 2021. The facility also includes a press box, concession stand, team room with a lounge area, kitchen, athletic training room, equipment room and offices, along with a video board.

"Jeff Jackson was very meticulous in his care and preparation of Wrangler Field for practices and games. Along with his assistant Melanie Jaegers and the assistance from the Odessa College physical plant, Wrangler Field has become one of the best playing surfaces in the country" said Athletic Director Wayne Baker.