ROMEOVILLE, Ill. -- The Lewis University Athletic Department officially unveiled the opening of the Turf Practice Fields with a blessing from Father Paul Novak. The blessing also featured speeches from President David Livingston and Vice President for Athletics John Ashaolu. 

The addition of the second turf field will provide varsity athletics and intramurals including Lewis soccer, lacrosse and track and field a place to practice on and provide a surface similar to the actual playing surface to help and assist for intercollegiate competition. 

"We are blessed and thankful that this practice turf field has come to fruition," said Ashaolu. "This new turf field will not only benefit our entire student body and recreation program, but it will elevate the experience of our student-athletes as it will provide another facility where our teams can continue to develop and compete for championships  Our student-athletes and coaches are very appreciative of President-Dr. David Livingston, our university leadership, Board of Trustees, Advancement team and our Facilities team for their dedication to supporting our teams with the best resources available."

"We are thrilled and excited about our facility upgrades and the commitment to athletics by our administration," said Joe Perruzzi, Head Men's Lacrosse Coach. "This new practice facility will allow us more flexibility between athletic programs to maximize our development and on field success." 

"We are very blessed to have the support of administration and this is a perfect example of that support," said Chris Koenig, Head Women's Soccer Coach. "The new field helps the student athletes in many ways. The most important of which is allowing them the space to practice during the day when not in class. Avoiding the early mornings and late nights is a huge benefit to the student athlete experience." 

"Lewis Women's Lacrosse is so incredibly excited and thankful for our brand new practice turf," said Colleen Kincaid, Head Women's Lacrosse Coach. "Not only will it improve the athletic experience for our student athletes, but it is another example of how Lewis University invests in the success of our athletic programs. We consider ourselves extremely blessed to be a part of the Lewis community."