'KEENE, N.H. 9/23/03-  Keene State College and the Keene community's soccer "field of dreams" officially becomes a reality with the dedication of the grass soccer facility at the Owl athletic complex on Saturday during the College's Homecoming festivities.

The dedication ceremony begins at noon and is followed by the Owls' Little East Conference men's soccer game against Western Conn. at 1 p.m. Other activities include a KSC field hockey match against Plymouth State University (1:30 p.m.), alumni exhibition games, a children's activity area, souvenirs, and music.

A project that began four years ago, the Owl soccer complex provides KSC and the Monadnock region with one of the finest sports facilities in New England. 

"We are grateful to all who helped make the soccer facility a reality," said Ron Butcher, long-time men's soccer coach at KSC.  "The College, community, alumni and friends supported this $1 million facility.  The dedication on Saturday gives us an opportunity to say thank you."

The gift support from alumni, faculty, staff, friends, community businesses, and organizations was nearly $170,000.  The press box was sponsored by the Kingsbury Corp., while the Savings Bank of Walpole sponsored the welcome center.  The New Hampshire Soccer Association also gave a significant gift.  Seating section sponsors include Fairfield's Pontiac, Cadillac, Buick; Millwork Masters; the Melanson Company;  Keene Gas; and the Fenton Family Dealerships (Honda, Toyota, Volvo, and Hyundai).

In addition to serving as the home of the Owl men's and women's soccer teams, the field provides the greater Keene community with the opportunity to host exciting professional soccer games, high school tournament action, youth soccer programs, and numerous championship games.

Scheduled speakers at the dedication include: William Cogger, president and COO , Kingsbury Corp.; Dave Bruno, executive vice president, New Hampshire Soccer Association; Scott Laughinghouse, senior vice president and senior lender, Savings Bank of Walpole; Dr. Stanley Yarosewick, president, Keene State College; John Ratliff, director of Athletics, Keene State College; and Dr. Ron Butcher and Denise Lyons, men's and women's soccer coach's respectively, at KSC.

"Our players are very fortunate to play in such a beautiful facility," said Lyons. "Before the start of every season our veterans take the freshmen out to see the lighted field at midnight.  They're very impressed."

"It makes us feel good when other teams come in and rave about our facility," added Butcher.  "When you go to other fields, you realize how good we have it.  Without question, it is one of the top three fields in New England. "