SDSU baseball and softball to install turf fields

BROOKINGS, S.D. (SDSU) — South Dakota State University Athletics officials announced Friday that the homes of Jackrabbit baseball and softball will have synthetic turf installed at both facilities ahead of each program’s 2025 seasons.

The turf installation project, which will be completely privately funded, was approved by the South Dakota Board of Regents at its most recent board meeting.

Installation of the turf surface at SDSU’s baseball and softball facilities begins this month.

“We are extremely appreciative of the donors who stepped forward to make these turf projects a reality,” SDSU Director of Athletics Justin Sell said. “Being in a northern climate, this type of playing surface is almost a necessity and will aid not only in the development of our student-athletes, but also improves player safety and requires less maintenance for our staff.”

The South Dakota State softball facility will have turf installed thanks to a lead gift from Kevin and Cynthia Moriarty, along with a significant gift from GeoTek Engineering.

The leading donation from Moriarty is the largest single gift in the history of the SDSU softball program which dates back to the early 1970s as a varsity sport at the university. In honor of this commitment, the home of the Jackrabbit softball program will now be referenced as Jerald T. Moriarty Field.

“It’s a game changer for us,” said SDSU softball head coach Kristina McSweeney. “There’s not much of a bigger impact for our program. It will benefit us in recruiting – staying up to par to the teams we compete against on a regular basis – and elevate our game in all facets. We are so excited to have the ability to get on our field sooner and better prepare for our opponents. The installation of turf will be able to take us to the next level.

“I can’t thank Kevin enough for his gift to our program. The Moriarty family has been one of our greatest supporters. His generosity has led to others giving and is truly appreciated by everybody involved with Jackrabbit softball.”

The SDSU supporter previously donated to the program and was thanked for his contributions with the re-naming of the press box after his late father, Jerald T. Moriarty. Jerald Timothy Moriarty was a 1961 alum of South Dakota State University, graduating with a degree in microbiology. Jerald’s son, Kevin, did not attend South Dakota State University, but began to support SDSU through time spent in Brookings over the years with his dad. Kevin gained an appreciation and admiration for SDSU through his father and the values he demonstrated.

“My dad loved South Dakota State and we grew up Jackrabbit fans,” said Kevin Moriarty. “One day, on the way home from a trip, I was able to meet with a group of softball players at the airport and was so impressed with them. I think they were pretty surprised somebody from Houston was such a big fan.

“My relationship with the softball program has grown and I quickly realized Coach McSweeney and the team were something special. Their success needed to be rewarded with a facility equal to their achievements. Our family is very excited to see the facility upgrades and how they will support an amazing program and softball community.”

SDSU baseball’s Erv Huether Field received multiple donations to install turf for the 2025 season. An SDSU alum, who has chosen to remain anonymous, provided the lead gift. Three baseball alumni and their families – Chuck and Dorie Sendelbach, Charles and Linda Elhoff, and Jimmy and Amber May – also provided impactful gifts to push the project forward.

The donations toward the turf installation at Erv Huether Field also mark the largest gift for the baseball program in regards to a single project. The current iteration of Erv Huether Field has been in use since 2008. The SDSU baseball team has been competing since the late 1940s.

“Completing the full field with turf will positively impact every area of our baseball program at SDSU,” said head coach Rob Bishop. “We will be able to play more home games in addition to having more consistent practice conditions in the fall and spring.

“This upgrade is an absolute game changer in recruiting and developing great players. We are grateful for the support of our alumni and donors that contributed to make this happen.”

The turf installation will replace the natural surfaces at both facilities. It will allow Jackrabbit baseball and softball to practice later into the fall and earlier in the spring outdoors, along with playing games through challenging weather circumstances. The project is set to be completed by Mid-America Sports Construction.

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