WEST LIBERTY, W.Va., Oct. 25, 2017 — West Liberty University has received a lead gift of $200,000 for an indoor athletic practice facility from Belmont Savings Bank.
From left, Coach Eric Burkle, student-athlete Sydney Bennington, WLU Foundation Executive Director Angie Zambito Hill, Athletic Director Lynn Ullom, Belmont Savings Bank CEO Todd Cover, President Stephen Greiner, student-athlete Kelsi Johnson and Coach Herb Minch.
“We are most grateful to Belmont Savings Bank for taking the lead and funding a significant part of this much needed facility. Student life will be greatly enhanced since the new structure will allow all students, not just athletes, to benefit as it frees-up recreational space currently being used by our baseball and softball teams during off-season,” said WLU President Stephen Greiner.
“Belmont Savings Bank is pleased to partner with West Liberty University on this project. This will enhance the quality of student life for years to come. As a West Liberty alumnus, it is a pleasure to see the University continue to prosper and we are glad to be a part of that,” said Todd Cover, President and CEO of Belmont Savings Bank.
Currently, the baseball and softball teams practice during off-season in the Blatnik Hall gym and the Academic, Sports and Recreation Complex (ASRC) which limits the hours that other students can use these gyms for intramurals or other activities.
“We are so pleased to receive this inspiring gift and I thank Belmont Savings Bank for supporting our students and higher education. The Belmont Savings Bank Practice Facility will greatly improve student life,” said Angela Zambito Hill, executive director of the West Liberty University Foundation. “The Belmont Savings gift will provide close to 50 percent of the expected expense of the construction of the facility.”
Hill went on to describe the project as a fiscal year priority of the West Liberty University Foundation and the university’s advancement team.
Right now, ground preparation is taking place for the vinyl-covered steel frame facility that will likely be located adjacent to the softball field and serve both men’s and women’s teams.
“We are seeking to raise the rest of the funds needed for completion of the practice facility through fundraising,” said Jason Koegler, vice president of Institutional Advancement.
“We really appreciate this wonderful gift from Todd Cover and Belmont Savings Bank,” WLU Athletic Director Lynn Ullom said. “It is gifts like these from our caring and committed donors that allow us to provide expanded opportunities not only for our student-athletes but for all students. This will positively impact the student experience at West Liberty University for decades to come.
“I want to thank our administration, coaches and the various supporters of our programs who all came together in a team approach to bring this project to fruition.”
West Liberty University offers nearly 70 undergraduate majors and 30 programs. Graduate programs include the Master of Arts in Education, the Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies, the Master of Professional Studies, the Master of Science in Criminology, the online MBA and the new MA/MS in Biology.
Charter members of the NCAA Division II Mountain East Conference, WLU has more than 400 student-athletes participating across a broad spectrum of 18 intercollegiate sports. These include men’s football, cross country, basketball, wrestling, track, tennis, baseball and golf along with women’s softball, volleyball, cross country, basketball, track, tennis, golf and soccer. Most recently the university added women’s acrobatics and tumbling to the mix along with men’s soccer.
For more information on the new indoor practice facility or to donate to the project, please contact the WLU Foundation at 304.336.5635.
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