WNMU
Press Releases

IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 8/27/01

SILVER CITY—The Western New Mexico University Ben Altamirano Field was officially dedicated this Saturday with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and a win by the Mustangs on their new home field.

The new field was named in honor of State Senator Ben Altamirano for his unwavering support of the institution.

WNMU Board of Regents Chair David Darling said it was the senator’s, "tenacity and vision" that made the athletic field and complex possible.

"Thank you for the honor. I am proud to be part of Western’s developing athletic program. I support and encourage the Athletic Department’s efforts in nurturing the concept of the scholar athlete," said Sen. Altamirano. "It’s been a long time since people have walked up to campus to watch a game. I am pleased to see that begin again."

During the ceremony, WNMU President John Counts thanked Jerry Joy, WNMU emeritus vice president of student affairs and community relations, for the work he did in the original development of the stadium, "We owe Jerry a lot for this accomplishment today."

"It is wonderful to be back for this momentous occasion. I am happy this facility came about for the athletic and intramural programs at Western," said Joy. "This is something students, alumni, and the community can all be proud of and call our own."

Joy is currently the Vice President of Student Services for National American University’s 14 campuses and is involved in campus development. He has been busy developing a new campus from the ground up in Overland Park, Kan. since March of this year. He expects to enroll some 200 students at that site by September.

WNMU Athletic Director Scott Woodard said with the new stadium, WNMU is getting to a level playing field to compete with the other smaller universities in the state." At the conclusion of the ceremony, Alfred Montes, WNMU alumnus and former football player, joined the festivities as the surprise guest and pulled out the winning number for a $500 voucher for a trip to Las Vegas, Nev.

The winner of the drawing was Yolanda Manzano. The proceeds for the trip were donated by AmBank, Sodexho Facilities, Follets Bookstore, WNMU Athletic Department Agency Account, and the WNMU Foundation.

Montes played for a short period for the Raiders professional football team. While at Western he held the Division II single passing record of 614 yards in one game. He still holds all of WNMU’s passing records and is presently a teacher at Deming High School.

A ceremony will be held later as part of Homecoming activities in October to dedicate the athletic building after Coach Jim Fox for his accomplishments at Western as a math professor and coach. In another ceremony, the renovated tennis courts will be named in honor of the late Arlene Kilpatrick who served as a professor for 32 years at WNMU and was a great proponent of women’s athletics.

Also participating in the ceremony was the WNMU Band under the direction of Dr. Dennis Hayslett, WNMU associate professor and director of instrumental music. April Hanson, WNMU information technology customer service manager, performed the national anthem. The Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 358 presented the colors.

The 7500 square-foot complex features seating for some 2000 people, a track, ticket booth, concession stand, restrooms, weight room, locker rooms, coaching offices and renovation of three tennis courts.