University of Virginia Library

Facility Shortage

In relation to the rest of the Atlantic Coast
Conference schools, the University seems to
rank ahead of Maryland in facilities per student,
behind North Carolina State and Wake Forest,
and about the same with North Carolina, Duke
and Clemson. The status of South Carolina is
uncertain.

The lack of recreational facilities for
students here seems to be the result of two
factors.

One is obviously the growth of the student
body, and the other is the rise in importance
and participation in club sports.

"The rise of club sports," Mr. Corrigan said,
"has made the need for facilities dramatic."

The athletic department has made some
steps to improve the availability and quality of
sports facilities, but Mr. Corrigan admits that it
has not done nearly enough and the situation
will become more critical if new construction is
not undertaken.

"The state has not gotten into recreation for
colleges," Mr. Corrigan said. "We have to pay
our own way."

The new track, which is part of a proposed
complex to include a baseball field, a soccer
field, a practice football field, four softball
diamonds, a putting green, and a golf tee, was
funded mainly through private contributions.

The track alone cost over $150,000. The
cost for completion of the other facilities has
not been estimated yet.

The baseball field will be completed this
spring and Mr. Corrigan optimistically predicts
the other two fields will be ready to use in
September of 1972.