Athletic upgrade boosts Gentile Hall
By Damien Pearson
The University Times Staff
PRESQUE ISLE – The University of Maine at Presque Isle (UMPI) received an athletic upgrade in Gentile Hall for students and the Aroostook County community.
In December 2023, UMPI installed an indoor turf at Gentile Hall. The FieldTurf product was composed of a series of turf panels that have interlocking connectors for easy portability and installation.
“The primary use of the turf is to help support student life on campus. This includes varsity sports, intramural sports, and student recreation,” Daniel Kane, executive director of athletics and recreation, said about the potential of this upgrade. He continued with, “The secondary usage is for our greater Presque Isle community and members, as it is the only facility of its type in Aroostook County.”
Since its installation, students have been able to test out the turf and see what the upgrade has to offer. Sierra Bryant, an environmental science and sustainability major student, is a member of the women’s soccer team and softball team at UMPI. She has used the turf to practice on and has had an overall positive experience with it.
“I love the new turf. It allows for the soccer team to continue to practice during the winter. It’s great for the softball team too because there are some teams that we play on turf and it lets us prepare better for those games,” Bryant followed up with, “I’m really happy that UMPI made this upgrade.”
Kane has received positive feedback regarding the turf, and he is excited about the athletic department’s future endeavors. “Later this semester we plan on having our first flag football season on the turf,” he mentioned regarding the increase in usage of the turf.
