Story by Linda Skidmore, Writer and Media Relations Coordinator for Davis & Elkins

Photo Gallery 

ELKINS, W.Va. – It took just six months from the time Davis & Elkins College leaders decided to construct a turf soccer/lacrosse field until members of the soccer teams took up play on the new surface. The Nuttall Soccer Field was dedicated October 19, not as solely an athletic facility, but as an example of the teamwork and dedication that went into making it a reality.

"There's a whole lot more here than a field and money," D&E President Emeritus G.T. 'Buck' Smith told the group gathered along the sidelines. "It's a human-interest story."

The grass field used in past seasons had a history of drainage problems that created an uneven and muddy surface. In February, College leaders concluded that the only solution to correcting the problem would be to construct a new synthetic surface.

Alumni and Trustees Bill Nuttall, '70, and Hank Steinbrecher, '71, convened a committee of soccer alumni to raise the $600,000 necessary. Under their leadership, the Finish the Field Campaign Committee met by conference call every Monday evening.  The Committee is comprised of J. Adam Baumgardner, '06; Erik D. Christie, '88; Nicole 'Cole' Dant, '11; Craig 'Rudy' Eppright, '73; William D. Glenn, '69; Nils A. Heinke, '73; Douglas "Doug" A. Homer, '93; Gary Horvath, '62; Ray K. LaMora Jr., '74; Kathleen "Kate" M. McArthur, '09; William "Scotty" Smyth, '72; Paul S. Stirrup, '60; Charles A. Straw, '70; and Sean E. Walle, '94. Smith said the group is within $25,000 to $30,000 of raising the necessary funds. 

Smith explained that two donors were so touched by the story of the Committee's efforts that they generously offered large contributions – with the stipulation that they remain anonymous. However, Smith and his wife, Joni, were charged with deciding on a name for the field by basing the selection on the person who best symbolizes the teamwork and dedication behind the campaign.

"Nuttall Soccer Field is dedicated to the glory of God and in gratitude of the generous support of those who made it possible," Joni Smith read from the plaque as Nuttall walked across the field to join her.

"I'm humbled, honored and undeserving," Nuttall said before asking the Committee to stand beside him. "These are the people who stuck behind the project."

The efforts of the committee were also recognized by current members of Senator Soccer.

"We are very grateful for the hard work and dedication that went into this," said Dan Savory, a junior from Norfolk, England, and captain of the men's team. "We get a lot more out of our practice. Having a field like this shows we're really serious about soccer."

Alison Bogar, a senior from Ontario, Canada, and captain of the women's team, echoed those sentiments. "Having a field like this makes us proud and grateful. We're lucky for the opportunity given to us."

The field also will serve men's and women's lacrosse in the future.

Field Dedication Part 1

Field Dedication Part 2

Field Dedication Part 3