W&J upgrading athletics facilities
Ground broken on $2.5 million baseball and softball training center
By John Sacco
For the Observer-Reporter
newsroom@observer-reporter.com
The baseball and softball programs at Washington & Jefferson College will seemingly take a big step forward with the building of a new training center on campus.
W&J celebrated last week the beginning of a new chapter for its programs with the groundbreaking for the James David Ross Family Training Center, a $2.5 million investment dedicated to supporting student-athlete development.
The Ross family is fully funding the project, continuing their long history of support for the college, including the Ross Memorial Park in 2004 and the James David Ross Family Recreation Center in 2017. The 25,000-square-foot indoor facility will be built next to the W&J Facilities Services building, providing year-round training space for student-athletes.
“The James David Ross Family Training Center is a transformational step forward for W&J,” said president Dr. Elizabeth MacLeod Walls.
“This facility represents more than bricks and mortar – it symbolizes our deep commitment to the holistic development of our student-athletes. We are honored to partner with the Ross family, whose generosity and forward-looking vision will strengthen not only our athletic programs but the broader student experience for years to come.”
Presidents’ baseball and softball coaches, Jeff Mountain and Marissa Rush, respectively, agree the new facility will allow for consistent practice sessions during winter months and should boost recruiting.
“We’re excited,” Mountain said. “It’ll be great to be indoors. We’ll have a full infield with a couple batting cages. There are winters where you’re stuck inside during January and February and this just puts us in position to be ahead of other schools.
“I think a lot of a lot of people, at all levels, know when they visit schools, they get told we’re getting a new field and we’re getting a new this or that. I think once construction starts, once recruits start to see building, I think the realization will kick in.”
Rush added that the credibility of construction will not only add to recruiting efforts but to any athlete getting in extra practice time or reps.
“It’s a great thing for our program,” Rush added. “We have much to take advantage of with this.”
David Ross, a 1978 alumnus, trustee since 2004, and W&J Athletic Hall of Fame inductee, shared remarks about the project’s importance. “The indoor training center is needed because the weather is not always so great here and often limits practice opportunities for student-athletes.”
The facility will be managed by campus officials and reserved for student-athletes, though community access may be allowed during special events. Named in honor of Ross’ father, the James David Ross Family Training Center will serve as a lasting tribute to his family’s commitment to W&J athletics. Construction is anticipated to begin within weeks, with completion expected by spring 2026.
W&J also opened its newly renovated athletic locker room.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony brought together students, coaches, trustees, and alumni. The facilities feature modern design, improved functionality, and enhanced team gathering spaces. From new locker systems and upgraded lighting to dedicated team lounges and training areas, the space reflects W&J’s commitment to the student-athlete experience.
W&J also unveiled the Vicki Staton Women’s Wall of Champions, celebrating generations of women who played for the Presidents.
The dedication is part of a broader effort to honor and elevate the stories that define W&J’s athletic history, ensuring the contributions of past and present athletes.
“This project is part of a larger vision that began almost 15 years ago to revitalize our athletic facilities. It started with a basketball court that was more than 40 years old,” said Dr. E. Ronald Salvitti, member of the Board of Trustees.
“With the growth of our sports programs and the addition of two new teams this year, it became clear that our locker rooms no longer met the needs of our athletes. We have doubled the space from seven to 14 rooms.”
Several newly named spaces celebrate defining moments in W&J athletics. The swimming and diving coach’s office now honors longtime coach Jerry Jennings, whose leadership produced 19 All-Americans, with the gift made by alumnus Ted Campbell ’84. The men’s wrestling locker room recognizes Ron Snee ’63, who led W&J to its first Presidents’ Athletic Conference title in any sport. At the same time, the athletic trainer’s space pays tribute to Jack Rea and brothers Mike and Mark Lesako for their decades of service and care to generations of student-athletes, joined in celebration by Ed Morascyk ’75, a former standout wrestler and longtime PA announcer for W&J.