138WINTER ATHLETICS Hatch New Plans Renovations take place to improve the Harding athletic facilities. ARCHITECTURAL IMPROVEMENTS took place across campus during the 2020 and 2021 school years. The Harding University soccer teams were some of the beneficiaries of these improvements. In 2020, the Hatcher Indoor Soccer Center was completed. The Harding men’s and women’s soccer teams began practicing in the indoor facility. Within the following weeks, the weight rooms were completed as an addition to the indoor soccer facility. The teams began fully utilizing the facility in September 2020. Women’s head soccer coach Greg Harris said the Hatcher Indoor Soccer Center was a wonderful addition to their program, especially during inclement weather. “The new facility enables us to get work done no matter what the weather conditions are outside,” Harris said. “It allows both our women’s and men’s teams to grow each and every day in the areas of soccer, strength and conditioning, and speed and agility.” The dedication of the Hatcher Indoor Soccer Center took place on Nov. 9, 2021. Greg Hatcher and other donors were present for the celebration. “We are so thankful to our donors for the love they have of Harding University and our soccer programs,” Harris said. “The impact they have made on our program is enormous. We are truly blessed to be able to have them as a part of our Harding soccer family.” Athletic Director Jeff Morgan said preliminary plans and sketches were in place regarding renovations to the track facility as well. The renovation plans included a new relocated track with a turf field in the middle. This renovation would allow for growth in club and non-collegiate sports while also providing a great design for jumping and vaulting events. Morgan added that he hoped to renovate the football stadium in the near future as well. “We would like to build a new building to replace the existing concessions, restrooms and weight room building and move it closer to the field,” Morgan said. Senior track and field athlete Lauren Shell believed the renovations would elevate the standard of excellence for the track and field program. “Having a weight room, turf field and renovated track dedicated solely to the track and field program would allow us to practice and perform at any time,” Shell said. “It would also be a significant selling point in recruiting for our program. I look forward to seeing these renovations take place.” WRITTEN BY HAYLEY KATE WEBB RENOVATE & DEDICATE Greg Hatcher addresses the crowd at the Hatcher Indoor Soccer Center dedication Nov. 9, 2021. The men’s and women’s soccer programs first began utilizing the new facilities in September 2020. Photo by: Jaxon Nash
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