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Northwest Field

Leatherneck Soccer Finishes Northwest Field

| By: WIU Athletic Communications

A new scoreboard and press box were installed thanks to donations made by two local businesses.

MACOMB, ILL. - With the help of two local businesses, the Western Illinois soccer programs were recently able to put some finishing touches on the Northwest Soccer Field, located behind Brophy Hall on WIU's Macomb campus.  Originally constructed as a practice field, it has a better subsurface and drains quickly so games are often held there when John MacKenzie Alumni Field is unplayable due to rain.
 
"The opportunity to improve our facilities is always a big plus for our student-athletes in our men's and women's soccer programs. We occasionally have to use the Northwest Field for games due to weather, so installing a scoreboard and having a press box really enhances the venue," Director of Soccer Eric Johnson said. "A big shout out to Mike Hillyer and Jack Nixa for their contributions to make this happen. THANK YOU!"
 
Nixa, who owns West Side Lumber Ace Hardware, donated the materials for a press box, which Johnson was able to construct and place in its current location. For Nixa, the decision to help WIU Soccer was based in his relationship with Coach Johnson.
 
"He asked and I agreed," Nixa said. "I've known Coach for quite a few years and we've become good friends so I thought I'd help him out."
 
After purchasing a new scoreboard using funds donated by alumni and friends of the soccer programs, Hillyer Inc. erected the new board on the west end of the field. Mike Hillyer, one of three Hillyer brothers who own and operate Hillyer Inc., donated his time, equipment and materials to install the new board. He was also responsible for constructing a foundation for the new press box.
 
"Our family has always enjoyed supporting WIU and especially Leatherneck Athletics," Hillyer said. "We appreciate the opportunity to be involved in helping support the student athletes."
 
The donations came at a perfect time and will prove very useful in the coming months, as the 2021 Men's Soccer Summit League Championships will be played in Macomb this coming November.
 
Gallery: (8-18-2021) NW Field

 
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