Meadville, Pa. – Feb. 21, 2006 – Allegheny College will complete a major modernization and renovation of its Robertson Athletic Complex to include a new eight-lane competition track, a FieldTurf playing surface, scoreboard and lights. The renovated field will be named in honor of Frank Fuhrer, a 1948 graduate of the college and former trustee, whose lead gift of $1 million, along with donations by numerous other alumni and friends, made the renovations possible.

“Allegheny College is my school. Sports was a big part of my experience there, a character-builder that shaped my life,” said Fuhrer, chairman of Frank B. Fuhrer Wholesale in Pittsburgh. “The current football and track facilities are poor. It’s an honor to help in some small way to get the job done and provide Allegheny’s student-athletes with a first-rate stadium.”

A longtime Allegheny College supporter, Fuhrer was elected to the College's Athletic Hall of Fame in 1980 for his prowess in soccer, basketball, baseball and golf as a student.

“Frank Fuhrer's inspiring generosity will transform our athletic facilities and the experiences of our students,” said Allegheny president Richard Cook. “We are continually amazed by his remarkable dedication and loyalty.”

The renovations include a new 400-meter double-bend track made of high quality Ameritan S surface that will be installed by DeFargo, winner of the 2005 Outdoor Track Facility of the Year Award. DeFargo helped design the track with Allegheny College track and field and cross country coach Bill Ross. When completed, the competition track will be one of the finest facilities in Division III.

“Coaches usually get to do this only once in a career so I wanted to do it right,” said Ross. “I could not be happier with the design. Not only is the surface top of the line but the double-bend design is something that will make for a very fast track and a great practice facility.”

In addition to the track, the football and lacrosse surface will be overhauled. The new turf will be FieldTurf, the turf of choice for the National Football League and in NCAA major college football. FieldTurf has been the dominant synthetic turf company for soccer fields worldwide as well as for 22 of the NFL's 32 teams.

FieldTurf best mimics natural grass. Benefits are improved player safety, reduced maintenance costs and flexibility for conversion – allowing stadium managers to quickly change the field from one sport to another or easily have a variety of events directly on top of the FieldTurf surface.

Musco Lighting, the preeminent lighting company in the nation, will light the field as part of the scheduled renovation, which will provide increased access and flexibility for varsity sports, club sports and intramural play. It will allow the school to host night games, in addition to preparing for opposing night games.

“This is a win-win situation all the way around,” said Allegheny head football coach Mark Matlak. “It is a shot in the arm for our current student-athletes, who will have more options as to when they can practice. It will be beneficial for the regular student population and for the Meadville community by giving us the option to host night games and therefore make games more accessible.”

Additionally, the renovation will include a new scoreboard that will utilize the latest in LED lamp technology. The advanced LED message board will have full graphic capabilities for messages, logos and graphics.

“After three years of research and discussion, this renovation will be completed by the premier field, lighting and track companies in the country,” said Director of Athletics and Recreation Larry Lee. “I am certain the renovated facility will be a wonderful resource, as its use will be widespread – from the Allegheny community to the Meadville and surrounding communities.”

Construction will begin this spring, with completion anticipated by August 1, in time for the football home opener on Sept. 16 against Hiram.