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The University of Mississippi Athletics
Ole Miss to Move Forward with Athletic Facility Planning
6/21/1999 | Football
November 4, 1998
OXFORD, Miss. - Ole Miss officials announced Wednesday the implementation of a plan to continue improving athletic facilities at a time when the recent addition of Vaught-Hemingway Stadium/Hollingsworth Field is nearing completion.
"We are pleased to announce that we have developed the first phase of a six part comprehensive plan that includes facility improvements, endowment of scholarships, salary issues, student services, and CHAMPS life skills," said Athletic Director John Shafer.
Shafer, who was named athletic director at Ole Miss last June, has spent much of his first months on the job evaluating the total athletic department.
"After meeting with our coaches and staff, and through personal observations, we felt that facility improvements should include an administrative building, a multi-purpose indoor facility for all sports, renovation of the existing athletic offices for academic and student services, a track stadium, golf locker rooms and offices, and renovation of the basketball locker rooms and seating area in the C. M. "Tad" Smith Coliseum," Shafer said.
After discussing Phase I of the athletic department's plan with Shafer, Chancellor Robert C. Khayat has authorized the athletic department to move forward with the next phase. Phase II would include seeking professional help in developing a capital campaign, prioritizing projects, and identifying locations for construction.
"I commend John Shafer for his vision and leadership, and look forward to working with him to strengthen our athletics programs," Chancellor Khayat said. "We are excited about the future of Ole Miss in the academic area as well as in athletics. This is an extraordinary time for the University and all Ole Miss people should feel very good about the future of the University."
Ole Miss head football coach Tommy Tuberville said he is "excited about the direction we're headed, not just on the field, but the way we're moving off the field with this planned construction. It's something we need and I'm pleased that the Chancellor and John are addressing these issues. I know there are a lot of people who have expressed concern, but I think we're headed in the right direction."
Shafer said he plans to use the University's campus planning expertise and architects to prepare drawings and cost estimates. "We feel that this plan and its implementation can build on the momentum already established as we move into the 21st Century," he said.
Ole Miss is currently enjoying a high level of success on the field of athletic competition. The Rebel football team and men's basketball team ended the 1997-98 year ranked in the Top 25. Both tennis teams and the women's golf team advanced to last year's NCAA championships. Other individuals in additional sports also participated in NCAA competitions.
While progress continues to flourish on the field, much has been done off the field. As expansion to the east side of Vaught-Hemingway Stadium is nearing completion, another recently completed project includes the women's athletic complex, which houses women's soccer, volleyball, fastpitch softball, and rifle offices, plus a championship volleyball court. The building, which sits adjacent to the new soccer and softball fields, also includes three indoor tennis courts. New offices for men's and women's basketball have also recently been added to the C. M. "Tad" Smith Coliseum.
