Williston State College will hold a dedication ceremony for its new synthetic turf fields at the Kasmer and Aafedt Athletic Complex on Saturday, September 13, at 11:30 a.m. The upgrades include improvements to Rabon Field and Leininger Field, representing a significant investment in baseball and softball facilities for both the college and the Williston community.
The initiative began in summer 2022 when local groups decided that installing synthetic turf was essential. The Williston State College Foundation contributed an initial $2 million matching commitment to launch fundraising efforts. Construction started on May 1, 2024, with the total project cost reaching $5.6 million. The project received support from various partners such as the City of Williston, Williams County, several booster clubs and committees, Williston Parks and Recreation, as well as individual and corporate sponsors.
“These fields represent far more than an athletic upgrade—they represent the strength of collaboration in our community,” said Hunter Berg, Executive Director of the Williston State College Foundation. “From the beginning, this project was driven by the idea that our students and community deserve first-class facilities. Thanks to the generosity of countless supporters, we’ve been able to make that vision a reality.”
The new fields feature alternating green outfield stripes, updated dimensions for both sports, and durable surfaces expected to last between 10 and 15 years. As a result of these improvements, WSC’s baseball and softball teams have already set records for most home games played in a single season.
“This dedication is about more than today—it’s about the future,” said Dr. Bernell Hirning, President of Williston State College. “These fields will serve generations of student-athletes and community members, and we are proud to be part of something that makes such a lasting impact.”
The upcoming ceremony will bring together donors, alumni, student-athletes, and members of the community to celebrate the completion of this collaborative effort.
