Dick Strahm Champions Field Under Construction

The University of Findlay athletics department is planning a new multi-purpose practice field located in the heart of campus.

Dick Strahm Champions Field will provide 83,000 square feet of turf for the football program and serve as auxiliary practice space for many of the 22 NCAA-sponsored Oiler sports teams.

It additionally will be utilized by UF’s intramural programs and community organizations including Upward Sports of Findlay.

“Coach Strahm left an indelible mark on the University of Findlay, and we are honored to have this facility planned in his name,” said Jim Givens, director of athletics. “I want to thank (Head Football Coach) Kory Allen and (UF President) Dr. Katherine Fell, Ph.D., for their work in supporting this project and working to make it a reality. We’re excited to get Dick Strahm Champions Field under construction and know that this is a positive step forward in our effort to maintain our status as a highly attractive option for high-level student-athletes.”

During the past two months, 60 percent of the funds necessary have been secured. A continuing effort is being made to obtain the remaining portion. Interested donors are encouraged to contact Givens or Kenneth McIntyre Jr., interim vice president of advancement, or visit this website.

The field will be constructed by Maumee Bay Turf Center of Oregon, Ohio, run by 1991 UF graduate Brad Morrison.

Dick Strahm Champions Field will be a 100-yard turf field with a goal post in the north endzone and extra room for positional work in the northwest corner of the field. It will be lit, providing the opportunity to practice into the evenings.

“I would like to thank our incredible alumni base and football supporters,” Coach Allen said. “These individuals are the foundation that this program was built on and their support of this project has been and will continue to be impressive.”

He also thanked Givens, President Fell, and the UF Board of Trustees. “Your support and belief in this facility is appreciated. It will be an honor to practice every day on Dick Strahm Champions Field, paying homage to a group of men who set the standard here at Findlay.”

Coach Strahm was a staple on the sidelines at Findlay for 24 years, coaching his teams to a combined record of 183-63-5 in 252 games as the head coach.

During his tenure, the Oilers won 13 conference titles and four NAIA national championships, finishing as the top team in the country in 1979, 1992, 1995, and 1997. Strahm was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2004 and remains the Oilers’ all-time wins leader in football as the only head coach with more than 100 wins.

Coach Allen added, “To our players, welcome home. It’s time to get to work.”

The project is expected to be complete by the end of August.