ATHLETICS
REDESIGNING THE PLAYING FIELD
In the summer of 2023, MSU Athletics unveiled an exciting project. Thanks to a partnership with Sportscapes Construction, and a generous gift from Andy Prefontaine (Class of 1971), the MSU Football team received a newly redesigned field. The new turf brought new life to Jayne Stadium in time for the 2023 season kick-off. “Our football program is such a huge part of not just athletics, but MSU as a whole,” said Kelly Wells (Class of 1995), director of athletics. “Our team deserved a new playing field – one they could step onto and feel excited and prepared to face their opponents.” The project was extra special thanks to a deep MSU connection. When Dan Hodson (Class of 1992) heard that Morehead State University was looking for a contractor for a refreshed football field, he had to throw his name in the hat. It wasn’t just his history with MSU that made him an ideal candidate. Hodson owns and manages Sportscapes Construction, a company that specializes in the installation of artificial turf and track surfaces. After graduating from MSU, Hodson began working in commercial landscaping. After a move to Texas, he got involved with a civil
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MOREHEAD STATE UNIVERSITY THE MAGAZINE
construction company that built and installed synthetic turf fields and running tracks. Due to an economic downturn, the business was eventually sold. Seeing an opportunity, Hodson made the decision to fill the company’s void by creating his own business. “It was a roll of the dice,” said Hodson. “I knew it was either the best time, or the worst time, to start my own construction business when the industry was struggling. But 15 years later, we’re still in business and growing.”
