MOBILE, Ala. – The University of South Alabama soccer program will have a new look for the upcoming season, even if it isn't noticeable right away.

Thanks to the efforts of Tyler Cornish, assistant athletic field manager at USA, and his team, the Jaguars will have a brand new playing surface as they try to defend their Sun Belt Conference title.

"I think this shows the passion of the school moving forward," head coach Richard Moodie said. "You can always tell the drive of a university by the construction projects over the summer. You can see what athletics mean to this school and obviously they're pushing forward with the relaying of the surface. I think it's great for recruits to see schools that are investing in athletics."

The project was started due to the field's poor drainage and an incorrect grade that resulted in low spots that accumulated water. After the old turf was stripped away, 100 tons of sand was added to help with drainage and the field was regraded. Another 100 tons of sand was poured on top and the new sod was laid as the final step.

"We planned this to be done weeks ago, but Mother Nature always likes to throw a wrench in our plans down here in the wettest city in America," Cornish said. "It threw us for a loop and we had several game plans but we finally got some dry days to finally get it finished up.

"Once we get it down, we'll water it pretty heavily for about a week so it can grow and attach. Then we'll roll it just to smooth it out and get out any bumps that might be in it. We'll top dress it, fertilize it and let it grow."

The new surface will see its first action Aug. 11 in an exhibition match against Ole Miss at 7 p.m.

For more information about South Alabama athletics, check back with www.usajaguars.com, and follow the Jaguars at www.twitter.com/USAJaguarSports. Season tickets for all Jaguar athletic events can be purchased by calling (251) 461-1USA (1872).

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