Pioneers announce the George Chryst Football Complex
The UW-Platteville Athletic Department announced an estimated $4 million renovation project to Ralph E. Davis Pioneer Stadium during Friday’s Celebration of George Chryst.
PLATTEVILLE, Wis. -- The University of Wisconsin-Platteville Athletic Department announced an estimated $4 million renovation project to Ralph E. Davis Pioneer Stadium during Friday’s Celebration of George Chryst.
The plan is to build a 39,000 square foot facility into the lower level of the stadium, which will house a new locker room facility, a larger athletic training room, and meeting rooms. The hallway leading into the home football locker room will be a memorial to the late George Chryst.
“I am ecstatic that the chancellor and University leaders share our vision about the necessity to renovate Pioneer Stadium,” said Athletic Director Mark Molesworth. “Pioneer Stadium was renovated in 2005 with the installation of the new turf and the interior landscaping, and then in 2012 the installation of a new scoreboard and video board, which were tremendous improvements. Unfortunately the supporting infrastructure is not up to par and this project will complete the renovation and provide an outstanding facility for Pioneer student-athletes for years to come."
Ralph E. Davis Pioneer Stadium opened in 1972 and today hosts more than 40 competitive events in addition to the daily practice of the Pioneer football, soccer, baseball and softball teams. Unfortunately, the infrastructural facilities that support these activities have not been updated since the stadium was built.
The project is in the first step of the process; a campaign to raise the $4 million needed for the renovations, and has started with an anonymous six-figure gift.
Chryst became UW-Platteville's head coach in 1979 and athletic director in 1981. He guided the Pioneers to a 79-60-2 record, with a Wisconsin State University Conference championship in 1980 before his sudden death in 1992.
“George was the quintessential pioneer. He brought his best to this institution to ensure that each day here at UW-Platteville was a great one,” said Chancellor Dennis J. Shields. “He forged new pathways for the University as a teacher in physical education, a coach, mentor and through his service as athletic director.”
Click HERE for preliminary renderings and photos of George Chryst