The first year of the Summit League’s “Summit Plan” was highlighted by facility upgrades or new construction at all 10 member institutions, student-athlete support and other advancements at member schools, the conference announced.

Among the projects is the $9 million Stanly H. Durwood Soccer Stadium under construction at UMKC, which will also house a four-lane non-competition track and seating for 1,000 fans. IPFW is expected to break ground next spring on a $42 million renovation and expansion of the Gates Center that will add offices, locker rooms, weight-room and a 200-meter track.

In anticipation of its transition to Division I, South Dakota State added facilities for its softball, baseball and soccer teams and provided upgrades for volleyball, men’s and women’s basketball, and women’s swimming and diving.

Oral Roberts plans a new indoor facility for its baseball and track and field teams.

Oakland, Centenary, IUPUI, North Dakota State, Southern Utah and Western Illinois are also upgrading facilities.

In addition to the infrastructure improvements, Summit League schools hired additional staff and increased the number of athletics scholarships.

“I am definitely pleased with the progress that our institutions have made in the first year of the Summit Plan,” said Commissioner Tom Douple. “We are making outstanding advancements with new projects in the near-term plans for several of our institutions. There is a true commitment by our members to improve and the future is extremely bright for our league.”

The Summit Plan, aimed at improving the academic performance of student-athletes, and marketing the league’s image, launched in 2007 when the Mid-Continent Conference changed its name to the Summit League. For more information, visit the Summit League Web site.