Lamar dedicated its football practice facility to former coach Vernon Glass this week, after the school made improvements at the field.

The Coach Vernon Glass Field of Champions, adjacent to Provost Umphrey Stadium’s south parking lot, was made possible by a $200,000 gift from former student-athlete Bart Simmons, who played for Glass and wanted to honor him with the gift. Glass died in December 2005.

“Quite often, Coach Glass would say that we won or lost our games on the practice field, not in the stadium,” Simmons said. “Therefore, naming the practice field (for Glass) is appropriate and the best way I know to honor him and all of the players, coaches and many other folks associated with Lamar football whom he inspired during his important tenure as head coach.”

Glass coached the Cardinals from 1963 through 1975. He was the NCAA College Division Coach of the Year in 1964 and 1965. He lettered in football and baseball at Rice in 1949, 1950 and 1951.

Simmons received a 2008 Lamar Distinguished Alumni Award and serves on the school’s College of Business board of advisors.

“Coach Glass was a true champion and a great Lamar legend,” he said. “It was a privilege to have played for such a fine, respected and honorable man.”