ST. AUGUSTINE – The Flagler College Department of Athletics recently revealed two major facility upgrades ahead of the 2023 spring semester. The Flagler College Tennis Center and Drysdale Field underwent nearly $1 million in renovations, marking the most significant facility advancements since the completion of the Flagler Lacrosse & Intramurals Field in February 2022.

Both projects greatly enhance the student-athlete and fan experience while solidifying each facility's respective place among the best in NCAA Division II.
 
"We are thrilled to see the completion of these important facility improvements," said Director of Athletics, Jud Damon. "The Flagler baseball program and both tennis programs have incredibly strong traditions and the quality of their facilities should certainly reflect that."

Flagler College Tennis Center

For the first time since the facility was constructed in 1983, the Flagler College Tennis Center, affectionately known as The Fort, has a brand new competitive surface. The six-court facility underwent a comprehensive overhaul, complete with foundational reinforcement, the installation of curbing along the outside of the facility, new paint, and state-of-the-art, energy efficient LED lighting.

"This upgrade was vital for the facility," said Damon, "and the timing was excellent considering that both our men's and women's programs had such tremendous competitive success in 2022."

The existing asphalt courts were removed and the base layer augmented with rock before being regraded and repaved. 1,128 linear feet of 8-inch containment curb was installed around the entirety of the facility. Prior to four coats of acrylic paint being applied, the courts undertook application of a fiberglass membrane to help prevent future cracking. Six pair of NeverRust all-aluminum net posts, six Star II nets, and 36 LSI Zone Large LED light fixtures served as finishing touches to the project. Fast-Dry Courts oversaw the improvements at the Tennis Center.

"We are so thankful for the renovation of our tennis courts," said women's tennis head coach, Rod Puebla. "This greatly enhances our tennis programs, provides our student-athletes a better experience, and give our fans a great place to watch tennis. I'm certain the new courts will be the place for many memorable matches for the Saints. Our ladies are very excited to start the season."

"The new courts and lights are awesome," said head men's tennis coach, Jonas Piibor. "This project really shows the commitment that Flagler College and the Department of Athletics have towards tennis in providing our student-athletes and fans a state-of-the-art tennis center. We are really excited for these upgrades that will help us in our mission of striving for excellence."

The renovation comes on the heels of the most successful seasons for the men's and women's tennis programs in the NCAA Division II era. Both teams captured Peach Belt Conference championships and hosted their respective NCAA Southeast Regional in 2022. The women advanced to the Elite Eight and the men to the Final Four.

Drysdale Field

The upgrades at Drysdale Field make the home of Flagler College Baseball one of the more unique facilities in the country. The improvements were supported by a significant and generous sponsorship by the facility's namesake, College trustee Mr. David Drysdale, and the St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park.

"The improvements at Drysdale Field were necessary and are definitely noticeable," said Damon.  "I think both players and fans will enjoy the new look."

Over the course of one month during the holiday break, all 593 feet of outfield wall was removed and replaced with ultra-durable, marine-grade, crimson-clad plywood. The facility now features a 20-foot batter's eye in center, which is dwarfed in scope by the newly christened 'Red Monster' in right field. 

Left-handers will now contend with 170 feet of a 20-foot high wall that stretches from the right field foul pole to the scoreboard located in the most central and deepest part of right-center field. As part of the renovation, the right field portion of the wall was moved in 10 feet – from 325 to 315 feet down the line – requiring a newly cut and filled warning track.

"'Wow' was the comment from our players after they came back from Christmas break to see our brand-new outfield wall," said Flagler College head baseball coach, Dave Barnett. "[The wall] really enhances the entire look of our already beautiful facility. The efforts of our entire athletic administration, and especially Joey Wiles for overseeing the project, is very much appreciated by all of our players and staff.

"Special thanks to Mr. David Drysdale for his tremendous support of Flagler Baseball. I cannot wait for our loyal fans to see this outfield wall."

Hardwick Fence constructed the outfield wall, St. Augustine Painting, LLC painted the wall, AgrowPro cut in and installed the new warning track, and B&S Signs will produce and install updated corporate partner signage along the wall.

Home Debuts

Flagler College tennis and baseball fans will soon have the opportunity to support the Saints and take in the respective facility upgrades for the first time.

Men's tennis opens its 2023 home slate on Feb. 5 against Rollins at 11 a.m. The women commence their home schedule on Feb. 11 with a 2022 NCAA Southeast Regional rematch against Newberry. The time is TBA. 

Baseball doesn't open at home until Feb. 24, but fans will have the opportunity to watch the Saints over the course of three straight days as Peach Belt Conference foe Georgia College comes to town for a three-game series. Games are set for 6 p.m., 2 p.m., and noon, respectively, on Feb. 24, 25 and 26.