Northwestern’s Sharon J. Drysdale Field has won the 2008 Stabilizer Solutions/National Fastpitch Coaches Association Field Maintenance Award. The softball facility was recognized as possessing the most outstanding grounds maintenance and quality playing surface.

The field is cared for by Randy Stoneberg, Rich Thorn, Joe Berube and Jeff Monette. Northwestern agronomist Tim VanLoo nominated Drysdale Field for consideration for the national award.

The field was renovated recently, with new turf installed in the outfield and new infield material put in the infield before the 2006 season. After the 2007 season, the facility’s dugouts were sunken, permanent stands and a game operations booth were added and the school constructed a third-base-line plaza.

 The facility has hosted the Big Ten tournament and regional and super regional rounds of the NCAA tournament.

The school will be recognized at the NFCA meeting December 10.