The Baldwin-Wallace College student has the opportunity to learn, exercise, practice and play in some of the finest facilities in Division III athletics. 

 

The Lou Higgins Center, The George Finnie Stadium, Heritage Field, “Pop” Collins Tennis Complex and other outdoor recreation and athletic areas at Baldwin-Wallace make the Yellow Jackets physical plant second to none among small colleges. 

 

The newly renovated Lou Higgins Center is the centerpiece of the B-W athletic facilities. The 170,000 square-foot complex houses the Ursprung Gymnasium, Harrison Dillard Track, Natatorium, updated workout spaces, a state-of-the-art athletic training facility, classroom space, and offices for coaches and faculty.

 

Rudolph Ursprung Gymnasium is home to the Yellow Jackets basketball, volleyball and wrestling teams. The completely renovated gymnasium has housed B-W basketball since 1949.

 

A 200-meter, six-lane track is named for 1949 B-W graduate and four-time Olympic gold medalist Harrison Dillard. The track, with its Mondo surface, is both fast and comfortable for the walker, jogger or serious runner. Pits for the field events are also incorporated. The track surrounds three multi-purpose courts that can be used individually or in tandem for volleyball, tennis, basketball or other activities. On many occasions, the B-W basketball team has been playing a game while a wrestling match or an intramural basketball game was taking place in the field-house.  The Harrison Dillard Track, along three multi-purpose courts are home to the B-W indoor track teams, the John Summa Invitational Wrestling Tournament, the Ohio Sports Festival (basketball and wrestling venues) and many local high school track meets.

 

Also in the Lou Higgins Center is the B-W Natatorium, home to the Yellow Jacket swimming and diving teams. The facility includes a 25-yard, six-lane pool with a one-meter diving board. The movable pool bottom has adaptive physical therapy applications and can be used by the handicapped.

 

As part of the renovation of Ursprung, chair back seating and a new media center were constructed while training and physical therapy, laundry and eight locker rooms were added. Other features include a room for news media as well as exhibit and storage areas for the B-W Athletic Archives. The Archives give students, alumni, parents, friends and visitors to Baldwin-Wallace a glimpse of the rich tradition and heritage of Yellow Jacket teams and athletes.

Finnie Stadium has hosted three NCAA Division III national championship track meets, numerous NCAA and Ohio High School Athletic Association football playoff games as well as being the home field to both Berea High School and Middleburg Heights Midpark High School. The Ohio Sports Festival/Ohio State Games also use Finnie as both a regional and state championship site.

 

Heritage Field is located on the campus within walking distance of the students residence halls. The facility has a manicured playing surface and seating for approximately 200 fans. Heritage Field has been the host site for four OAC Baseball Tournaments and is home to the Yellow Jacket baseball squad.

 

The “Pop” Collins Tennis Complex is named in honor of former B-W tennis coach and teacher Arthur Worth Collins, the father of nationally-renowned sports-writer and television tennis analyst, Arthur “Bud” Collins ’51. The facility is on campus and includes six courts which are lighted for night play.

 

In addition, the Yellow Jacket softball team plays off campus at the Cuyahoga County softball field.

 

Does such a strong group of facilities benefit the Yellow Jacket athletic programs? Definitely!  Student-athletics have a wide variety of options for preseason and postseason weight and conditioning programs.

 

“The entire Lou Higgins Center is a plus for our athletic programs,” says men's athletic director, Steve Bankson. “The playing, practice and locker room facilities are among the finest in Division III.”

 

“It is one of the finest training centers of any small college in the nation,” notes Bankson. “We feel the Lou Higgins Center has answered the needs of the B-W community.”