Renovations were made to the Koetter Sports Baseball Complex during the summer.

Ben Reel, IUS baseball head coach, said new fencing was placed along the foul line and outfield. A windscreen for the fencing, a warning track and new turf in the coaching box and behind home plate were also installed.

New lights were purchased, but have yet to be installed. A company, Musco Lighting, is supposed to install them before the team’s first home game on March 5.

All of these renovations were paid for by funds raised by the baseball team.

All the players and coaches raised $57,903 last year, and, this year, they have raised $58,799.

The players do everything from selling apparel, cookies and advertising for the media guide to raise money.

The players have also worked the gates at the Ryder Cup.

“It’s just something we do,” Reel said. “Everyone does a phenomenal job.”

Also, with the funds raised by the team, an off-campus indoor batting cage was built just for the players to have a place to practice.

Pat Mrozowski, athletic director, said the renovations were made for two reasons.

One is to ensure the safety of the players because the old field had dangers.

The fence was curling up at the bottom, and someone actually got caught in it before.

Adding to the danger, there was no warning track, which protects the players from hitting the fence. The field also has to meet regulations, so upgrades were inevitable.

“Safety is always a concern,” Mrozowski said.

Second is to improve the overall look of the field. Mrozowski said the players deserve a nice place to play.

“We want to play where we can be proud of,” Mrozowski said.

Mrozowski also said the renovations send a positive image to the community about IU Southeast and, he said it will generate money for the community when upcoming tournaments are held.

Reel said he feels positive about the new season, and the team is ready for the new season with the new and improved field.

“We’re ready to be home and get a lot of fans out here,” Reel said.