NEWBERRY – Newberry College broke ground Friday on its $2.3 million Athletic Performance Center that will be built in Setzler Field's north end zone in the summer of 2020. 

"We are thrilled to begin the stadium project, which will bring a host of benefits to our campus," said President Maurice Scherrens. "None of this could be possible without contributions from our alumni and friends, and we look forward to collaborating with them and with others as we bring this into fruition. This is just the beginning."

Construction on the 6,750-square-foot performance center will begin this fall, with completion expected next summer, in time for the 2020 football and field hockey seasons. The center will include a 3,000-square-foot weight room and 2,000 square feet of athletic training space, along with a medical examination room, office space, a locker room for game officials and public restrooms.

"We have been working on plans to begin a new stadium for many years and we're thrilled to begin the first phase," said Associate Athletic Director Dexter Odom, who played an instrumental role in the project. "Our primary goals have always been to improve the appearance of the whole campus, to benefit our student-athletes and to create a brand-new atmosphere for Wolves football, field hockey and men's and women's lacrosse."

The College has been assisted in the planning and design of this first phase by Kurt Ludwick of the architectural firm McMillian-Pazdan and Smith, Ben Weeks of J. Davis Construction Company, Hall of Famer Keith McAlister and West Electrical Company.

"The completed project will complement our vision of athletic excellence," said athletic director Ralph Patterson. "We thank everyone who has helped get us this far, and we can't wait for others to jump on board to help make this vision a reality."