College Plans New Stadium
For all the nostalgia surrounding Kibler Field, even the most
diehard Shoremen fans recognize the shortcomings of Washington
College’s primary athletic field, especially in comparison
with the athletic facilities of our peer  institutions.
When prospective students visit campus, the grass field flanked
by aging metal bleachers and a port-a-potty is not part of the
tour. Head lacrosse coach J. B. Clarke makes a point of meeting
his recruits on the opposite side of campus. And Susie Friedrich,
the head coach for women’s soccer and lacrosse, simply
nods toward the far side of campus, where the women’s
playing field abuts the town cemetery.
That will all change by next spring, when a new
athletic stadium—replete with a synthetic playing
surface and a brick grandstand seating 1,500—stands on
the current site of Kibler Field. Coach Clarke intends to meet
his recruits in the stadium skybox. And Coach Friedrich intends
to finally attract some spectators beyond the sprinkling of
parents and friends who trek across the railroad tracks to stand
and watch the women play.
With its multi-purpose playing surface, the new stadium will
enhance the playing experience for varsity men’s and women’s
field teams (lacrosse and soccer). Because of its durability,
the field will also support recreational and intramural play.
With the generous seating capacity and lights, the stadium can
host evening games, perhaps even outdoor concerts. The College
can host events for off-campus groups, too, which will bring
talented secondary school athletes to campus and aid the College
in recruiting. The skybox also makes the venue attractive for
student and alumni gatherings.
“Today’s students
expect outstanding facilities,” says Bryan Matthews ’75,
the Athletic Director and Interim Vice President for Student
Affairs who once played on Kibler Field. “Varsity, intramural
and recreational activities are all of major importance to their
college experience. This facility will enhance our ability to
attract and retain wonderful students, and give them an exceptional
place to play.”
Coach Clarke is anxious to level the playing field for recruiting.
Once completed, the stadium will be one of the finest among
Division III schools.
“Right now the schools I compete
against in recruiting top-notch lacrosse players have superior
venues,” he says. “This facility will provide perhaps
the finest stadium in Division III, and will make a great first
impression to prospective student-athletes and their parents.”
Members of the College community have embraced this project,
providing gifts and pledges totaling $1.5 million to date. The
goal is to surpass $2 million by the end of June.
For more information about the stadium project, visit www.washcoll.edu,
contact Susannah Wittich at 410-458-6983, or e-mail swittich2@washcoll.edu.
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