May 22, 2012
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(San Diego, CA) - On a beautiful sun-splashed late Monday afternoon with a Torero Blue sky as a backdrop, the official kickoff for the Fowler Park and Cunningham Field ball park got underway with the groundbreaking ceremony. On hand to take part in the ceremonial groundbreaking at home plate before a contingent of trustees, supporters, USD administration and staff, and the 2012 baseball team, were Ron and Alexis Fowler, whose generous donation made this long-time USD dream a reality; Mary E. Lyons, USD President; Ky Snyder, Executive Director of Athletics; John Cunningham, former USD baseball coach; and Rich Hill, current USD baseball coach.
Below are some comments from the ceremony:
USD trustee Ron Fowler - "Alexis and I feel very lucky and very privileged to have the opportunity to be involved with USD over the years. It's a great university and it's getting even better. What we invest in, really, is people. When I look at the individuals on this campus, for a long period of time it has been able to do a lot with a little, especially when it comes to athletics. We want to take the opportunity to invest in a team that has been very successful over the years and see with the proper facility if they can get to the next level. We're hoping that this facility can bring greater interest to baseball on the USD campus and start the process for getting all the facilities for all sports here that are so richly deserved."
President Mary E. Lyons - "What the Fowler's are doing for us, as they've done for so many wonderful causes throughout our entire region, is the reason we are here to celebrate. Not the beginning, and not the end, but the ongoing change and the ongoing impact that happens when generous people who are not afraid to work hard, find a partner with this university and are inspired by the young men and women here."
Executive Director of Athletics Ky Snyder - "There is change-making and change-makers. None of this would be possible without the vision and support of one of USD's biggest change-making couples, and that's Ron and Alexis Fowler."
He added that the new ball park will open on February 15th with the dedication of Fowler Park. The Toreros will begin a 3-game weekend series that Friday night against cross-town rival San Diego State. On Saturday, February 16th, USD will call all Torero baseball alumni back to help dedicate Cunningham Field. And on Sunday, February 17th, it will be Little League Day with all youth invited to run the bases after the completion of the series.
Head Coach Rich Hill - "I want to thank Ron and Alexis personally. They are impacting young people's lives with their resources. It makes me emotional that people have that in them. They are committed to young people's dreams and for all that sport does for the development of these kids. I also want to thank this year's players and coaches, and all the players that came before them that helped blaze the trail to make this possible today."
