YSU facilities chief credits staff for smooth operations

February 18, 2014 at 12:00a.m.

— curbstone coaches—

AUSTINTOWN

For Tim Stuart, overseeing YSU’s athletic facilities has been a labor of love.

That usually translates into plenty of laboring if one expects to get the job done and in a timely fashion.

Stuart’s office coordinates everything from events to practices to maintenance for Stambaugh Stadium, Beeghly Center and its WATTS complexes, as well as the newest additions: Farmers National Bank [soccer] Field, the 400 meter-track and the softball complex.

Speaking to the Curbstone Coaches during Monday’s weekly luncheon at Luciano’s Banquet Center, Stuart credited his staff for making everything run so smoothly.

“Our area oversees just about every aspect of building operations, including, but not limited to scheduling, maintenance, cleaning, running events, practices, equipment and improvements,” he said. “Every facility is treated the same and as a staff we must check and then re-check what everyone is doing so there aren’t any conflicts or confusion.”

In addition to Stuart, who has been with the department since 2006, facility staff members include Steve Pincairo and Matt Rollins.

Starting his YSU career as athletic marketing assistant, Stuart also served as ticket manager before becoming manager of facilities and programs in 2010.

While the WATTS is best known for its football field and its 300-meter track, it also has locker rooms for track and field and golf, as well as a putting green, batting cages, a pole vault pit and a high jump pit.

“It’s a multi-functional facility for all sports,” he said.

YSU’s soccer facility debuted last fall and, weather permitting, the new softball field will open with a March 18 doubleheader against Eastern Michigan.

In addition to all YSU men’s and women’s teams, the facilities are used by a wide-range of on-campus clubs and organizations as well as outside organizations, groups and teams.

“Cardinal Mooney and Ursuline are two local high schools that use our facilities regularly while travel teams, on-campus groups, outside organizations and a variety of clubs also rent our buildings,” Stuart said. “The WATTS is used daily from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. during the week, then plays host to special events on the weekend. There are classes with Army ROTC, our Greek system, intramurals, club sports and YSU police among the steady users of the facility.”

Two upcoming events slated for the WATTS include the President’s Athletic Conference indoor track championships, slated for Feb. 27 and the Horizon League indoor track championships on March 1-2.

Next week, YSU volleyball coach Mark Hardaway will serve as guest speaker.