New Erskine soccer field to be named for Ralph Lundy
A new Erskine College soccer field, to be named for former Erskine soccer coach Ralph Lundy, is now in the early stages of construction, Vice President for Athletics Ralph Patterson reports.
Erskine President Dr. Steve Adamson is enthusiastic about the project. “You may have noticed several earthmoving trucks on campus near the women’s softball field,” he said in a recent message to students, faculty, and staff members. “This is the first stage of an exciting new project that will benefit Erskine students for years to come.”
“We are happy about creating a new soccer venue that will help our student-athletes and coaches achieve great things,” Patterson says. “Naming our new soccer venue for Ralph Lundy is appropriate and is a great way to bring together people who love Erskine.”
Lundy, who is married to Erskine alumna Elizabeth Knight Lundy ’84, came to the campus for Alumni Day 2024. At the Alumni Association meeting, slipping a garnet Erskine shirt over his clothing as he stood near the podium, he spoke with great feeling, crediting Erskine with encouraging his growth as a young soccer coach. He praised the “many great players, assistant coaches, and leaders” who made his time at Erskine memorable.
“Erskine cares about their students. Erskine cares about taking care of their students,” he told the assembled alumni and friends. “They grow and develop them, just like they grew and developed me.”
Lundy cherishes a special love for the Due West school where, from 1976 to 1986, he led the Flying Fleet to seven district titles and three NAIA National Tournaments.
“Erskine had a great tradition in both men’s and women’s soccer,” Patterson says. “Ralph Lundy created winning programs that Erskine alumni and friends remember with pride, and building this new field will give our new soccer coaches a chance to recruit higher caliber student athletes so that we can return to having elite soccer programs.”
After addressing the Alumni Association meeting, Lundy headed for the soccer field to coach the alumni team for the Alumni Day match. “Coach Lundy was able to share stories with us about the history and success of the program,” says Women’s Soccer Coach Lucy Hutto ’17, who played on the alumni team.
“Hosting an alumni game on Alumni Day was a great start to reconnecting past players to the current program. This is an exciting time to be a part of Erskine Soccer!”
Patterson is excited about the benefits and possible expansion of the Lundy Field project. “Ralph Lundy Field will be the home of Erskine men’s and women’s soccer and will be available for all of our students who participate in intramurals,” Patterson says. “It will also allow our soccer coaches to host soccer activities for the community.”
Additional plans, to be pursued when funding is secured, include construction of an eight-lane track around Lundy Field. With men’s and women’s soccer and men’s and women’s track and field at the same site, McGee Gymnasium could be renovated to provide space for locker rooms, sports medicine, strength and conditioning, and an additional court for multiple sports and intramurals.
