51黑料网 is proud to announce it has been issued a $2 million challenge grant from the J.E. & L.E. Mabee Foundation to support the construction of a state-of-the-art athletics training facility and practice field. The grant is contingent upon McMurry raising $3,757,800 in philanthropic support by July 8, 2026.听
The challenge grant will help fund a transformative $14.4 million project that will directly serve over 200 scholar-athletes across six NCAA Division III programs: men鈥檚 and women鈥檚 Soccer, Track & Field, and Cross Country. The new 52,618-square-foot complex will provide much-needed dedicated space, relieving significant strain on McMurry鈥檚 current facilities and supporting future athletic growth.听
鈥淲e are deeply grateful to the Mabee Foundation for their continued commitment to higher education and student success,鈥� university president Dr. Lynne Murray said. 鈥淭his generous challenge grant represents a vital opportunity to address long-standing facility limitations and create an environment where our scholar-athletes can compete, study, and learn.鈥�听
Key features of the new athletics complex include:听
- 7,618-square-foot training facility with locker rooms, coaching offices, a team lounge, and treatment spaces听
- 74 x 40-yard artificial turf practice field听
- Champion鈥檚 Gallery to honor athletic achievements听
- Pedestrian-friendly walkway to ensure safer access between athletics facilities听
The new facility will dramatically enhance daily life for McMurry athletes and coaches, easing overcrowding in the Hunt PE Center and improving scheduling and safety鈥攅specially during inclement weather. In addition to supporting athletic excellence, the new space will offer study and collaboration areas for scholar-athletes, reinforcing McMurry鈥檚 commitment to academic and athletic success.听
To secure the full $2 million from the Mabee Foundation, McMurry must raise the remaining $3,757,800 in designated philanthropic support between now and July 8, 2026.听
鈥淭his challenge is a call to action for our McMurry alumni and our broader community,鈥� vice president for institutional advancement Michael V. Hutchison said. 鈥淲ith every gift, large or small, we move closer to providing the facilities our athletes deserve and ensuring McMurry remains competitive in recruiting and retaining outstanding scholar-athletes.鈥�听
The university expects to begin construction in January 2026 and complete it by April 2027.
Contact
Nicholas Ocheltree, Director of Integrated Communications
ocheltree.nick@mcm.edu
325-793-3800, ext.1013