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July 22, 2005
 
MU FieldTurf Installation Underway, on Schedule
 
By Grant Traylor
Huntington News Network Sportswriter
 
Huntington, WV (HNN)- As people passed by Joan C. Edwards Stadium, many were forced to stop and look at what they were seeing in progress.
 
For days, the smoothed gravel base has been the only sight seen, but on Thursday, July 21, 2005, the enhancement took a new step as the new FieldTurf is being installed.
 
The new turf marks one step closer to many new beginnings for the Thundering Herd.
 

 
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A new playing surface, new coach, new conference.
 
The installation of the FieldTurf is on schedule according to Scott Morehouse, Marshall Associate Athletic Director for Facilities and Game Management.
 
Ballard Sports Vice President Fitz Ballard said that he has no worries and that the surface is progressing nicely.
 
"The job is on schedule and everything is progressing very well," Ballard said, according to Marshall's Sports Information Department. "We have done a number of these installations and we have a strong crew out there now."
 
While Ballard Sports workers were busy, Marshall players took time out after voluntary workouts to come down and check out the new surface in its early display.
 
Receivers timidly stepped on the surface, which does not have its base rubber coat down yet, treating the surface like a new treasure.
 
In less than two weeks, they will be stomping all over the grounds in preparation for the Sept. 1 opener.
 
"When they get that down, I'm going to come out here and just fall down," one unidentified player shouted out as everyone walked away from the spectacle.
 
Marshall players are currently finishing up summer workouts. Coaches report on Monday, July 25, 2005 to start strategizing for the upcoming season. Marshall's first practice is Aug. 3.