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EVANSVILLE, Ind. – A great day for the University of Evansville baseball program took place on Wednesday, February 18 when the new locker room was officially dedicated. President Dr. Tom Kazee spoke as well as Director of Athletics Mark Spencer, head baseball coach Wes Carroll and current player Shain Showers.
 
The $55,000 project saw all of the funds privately raised, including an extremely generous donation courtesy of UE alumnus Ken Maikranz and wife Martha. For the first time, a sound system and television were placed in the room allowing the team the opportunity to watch film.  The renovation also gives the team a prime place to meet and gather on a regular basis.
 
"Before the renovation, the locker room was never used as a meeting space and now it is a perfect place for the team to gather," said Dr. Kazee. "We are very proud of the success of the team and are even more proud of the people in the community who have stepped up to enable us to continue that success."
 
The event caps off what has been a great year for the program as it is coming off of a regular season Missouri Valley Conference Championship as well as seeing pitcher Kyle Freeland taken 8^th in the 2014 MLB Draft by the Colorado Rockies.
 
"This is a cornerstone for us to build on," said Director of Athletics Mark Spencer. "We won a championship last year and that is something to be very proud of. We are looking forward to having many, many of those. It is with these kind of facilities and these kind of gifts that really help us take the next step forward. Everyone wants to have the best pieces out there and having something like this is a great foundation to build on."
 
Head coach Wes Carroll took a moment to reflect on those who made it all possible: "The names on that donor plaque, you make a difference to the student athletes' lives," said Carroll. "We want to enhance the student athlete experience and a life changing type of experience here. This is a step in the right direction."
 
Speaking to the players on his team, Carroll added, "Hopefully you can see this as a great lesson. It fells so much better to give than to receive. Whenever you get out into the real world and have a chance to give back, remember this feeling."
 
Near the end of 2014, the locker room was completely demolished and rebuilt from scratch.  The project consisted of adding custom-made double-sided oak lockers as well as new flooring, tiling, showers, graphics and lights.
 
"On behalf of me and the rest of the team, we are so very thankful for all who have put forth effort," said shortstop Shain Showers. "You have made this come true."
 
The Purple Aces (2-1) will be back in action on Saturday, Feb. 21 for a weekend series against Western Kentucky in Emerson, Ga. Evansville has their first home game at Braun Stadium on Friday, February 27 when they play Oakland as part of a three-game weekend series.