Dillon, MT- The University of Montana Western held their groundbreaking ceremony for the new Sports and Activities Complex. In front of a large crowd of citizens, students, donors, and political leaders.
Roxanne Engellant kicked off the event thanking the people who made it possible, most importantly John and Phyllis Erb, their gift of land made the dream possible for this facility. She stated that the work on the project is not done, and they have made a goal to raise one million dollars in additional fund-raising support to make sure the grand opening is at its completion when they finish in fall of 2024.
The Director of athletics Michael Feuling thanked the donors and supporters of the project. He stressed how this project will be a game changer for the students. This will provide a service where our players will not have to dodge gopher holes, dog poop and other hazards that may injure them.
Chancellor Michael Reid gave a speech thanking the donors who donated over $100,000 to the project. He touched briefly on the history of UMW when Poindexter and Ore donated the ground that Montana Western is seated on today. In the year 2024 it will be the 100-year anniversary that UMW has had football on their sports roster. The team started playing at the fairgrounds and they will be playing in the new facility in the fall of 2024 100 years later.
He stressed how they would like to see the new facility become a cornerstone of our community hosting more than just college football but high school events as well as events put on by the Jaycees. Chancellor Reid concluded his speech by inviting those to come forward who were chosen to help with the groundbreaking ceremony. All dug in their shovel and gave a toss of dirt to a cheering crowd. Afterwards those attending cooled off with ice cold water and a few snacks.
