Magazine Spring 2024 Westmont Donors Equipping Warriors for Success in NCAA DII

By Sarah Camp

Baseball Supporters Add a Press Box and Grandstand

Westmont’s exciting move to the National Collegiate Athletics Association Division II (NCAA DII) will attract exceptional student athletes who fit well at the college with its Christian liberal arts education and caring community. The heightened competition has highlighted the need to enhance the college’s athletic facilities. Fortunately, the Westmont community is providing vital resources to build and upgrade facilities.

Baseball Supporters Add a Press Box and Grandstand

On February 10, the Warriors dedicated new stadium seating and the Eldred Family Press Box at Russell Carr Field the same day the team celebrated last year’s NAIA World Series Championship and received its championship rings.

More than 200 people filled grandstands that Roger Erickson ’78 and Wayne ’62 and Sharol Walen ’63 Siemens funded, and another 175 attendees added to the enthusiastic crowd. Both Roger and Wayne played baseball at Westmont. A legendary Westmont first-baseman, Wayne still holds hitting records. He and Sharol feel strongly about supporting the college and its student- athletes, and their transformative gifts to the baseball program include two full, annual scholarships for athletes.

Jason and Holly Eldred, Dr. Dave Eldred ’63 and Bette Eldred, and Roger and Tracey Erickson donated the funding for a two-story press box. The much-needed facility provides an excellent view and permanent location for broadcasting games, including audio and video internet streaming previously set up and taken down for each game.

Golf Gaining State-of-the-Art Training Facility

Golf Gaining State-of-the-Art Training Facility

Westmont parents Matt and Deanna Hopper gave generously for a state-of-the- art, indoor practice facility and meeting room for the golf team. These additions will allow athletes to remain on campus while improving their swings and overall performance as they compete in NCAA DII. Adjacent to the Stan Anderson Golf Complex, the facility will feature the world’s leading golf simulator, Trackman, which provides a full range of club and ball data with more than 40 parameters to help athletes refine their swing and improve consistency. The practice facility will include a customizable virtual putting green, simulating thousands of golf holes around the world. The college has nearly completed the permitting process and expects construction to start this summer.

Fully Renovated Tennis Courts and New Viewing Area

Fully Renovated Tennis Courts and New Viewing Area

A generous gift from Ed Boersma ’85 played a central role in renovating all Westmont’s tennis courts and constructing new viewing stands for fans and a team meeting room. These facilities will help recruit talented tennis players, improve the experience of athletes and give fans the opportunity to cheer for them. Construction has begun for these welcome enhancements.