[FRND] New Turf Coming Soon to Adair-Austin Stadium

WICHITA, Kan. – Adair-Austin Stadium is soon to have a makeover, as Friends University has partnered with Kansas Turf, LLC for a brand new synthetic turf system that will be ready soon.

The new turf is a KTX Blitz 48, a combination of slit film and high micron monofilament fibers in one system. It offers durability and aesthetics and is geared toward heavy usage and multiple sports.

"We are excited to be working with Kansas Turf on our new turf field," said Dr. Rob Ramseyer, Friends University Athletic Director. 

"Their installation expertise and ability to individualize our field is what set them apart.  The new surface will greatly enhance the experiences of our student-athletes and will allow us to increase the visibility of our programs to further the mission and values of Friends University.

Kansas Turf has been involved in several high profile projects, highlighted by replacing turf at Bill Snyder Family Stadium at Kansas State University.

"Kansas Turf is beyond excited to partner with Friends University," said Jake Farrant, Kansas Turf owner. "Internally, we have been looking forward to this project for several years. We looked at Friends and their history with synthetic fields, being the first synthetic football field in Kansas back in 1996. They have been forward thinking and innovative in their planning for three decades, and knowing that we are part of the University's progressive growth is extremely humbling for our team."

Farrant noted that Friends chose Blitz Turf by Kansas Turf, meaning the Wichita region will now have a state-of-the-art show field that puts quality, performance and player safety as the upmost priority.

Additional projects for the company include working with the University of Kansas, University of Missouri, McPherson College, Northern State University, Girard High School and Louisburg High School.  

"Having coached football in the KCAC as a head coach and an assistant, I know the pride these schools have in their athletic programs," said Patrick Ross, Kansas Turf Vice President. "Friends has always been committed to creating an incredible experience for their student athletes, and this state-of-the-art field once again proves that commitment. We are fired up to be a part of this project. "

The project at Friends will also feature new turf on areas outside the track and inside the stadium, including the practice field.

"We are very thankful for the new turf," said Friends Women's Soccer Head Coach Brent Hobson.  "The athletic department has been going in a positive direction with our new administration.  We are looking forward to our first practice on the new field this spring."

"I am extremely excited about the new turf being installed this month," said Friends Football Head Coach Dion Meneley said. "Friends has a great campus, and we hope this improvement draws more people from the area to our university. It will be a top-notch surface for our programs to compete on, and we are looking forward to seeing high school and other local teams utilizing our facility as well. I encourage anyone who has not had the opportunity to attend one of our games to come see our new field and take a look at Friends University.