Soccer field builder named Contractor of the Year

SUNY Fredonia named Clark Companies of Delhi, N.Y., specialists in designing and building world-class sports facilities, as its Contractor of the Year during an annual luncheon honoring all companies which did business with the university last year.

Clark Companies is building the $3.3 million new soccer fields and stadium project on campus. The improvements include a new natural grass playing field for the men’s and women’s soccer teams, an artificial turf field, improved bleacher seating for 1,000 spectators, lights for night games and enhanced drainage.

Vice President for Administration Tracy Bennett noted, “This company has continually exhibited the highest degree of professionalism in their work.” Director of Athletics Gregory Prechtl and Director of Facilities, Buildings and Grounds Kevin Cloos presented the award to make the awards presentation.

In 2005, SUNY Fredonia hired more than 125 companies to do new construction, maintenance, remodeling, or rehabilitation work on campus. Over 100 of the firms were from Western New York and 41 were from Chautauqua County.

SUNY Fredonia has presented the Contractor of the Year award since 2000 to recognize contractors who improve the comfort, convenience and aesthetic appearance of the campus. The winner is selected on the basis of professionalism, overall performance and the finished product.

In addition to the Fredonia soccer field, Clark Companies is also developing athletic facilities on campuses such as West Point Military Academy, Dartmouth College, Hartwick College, University of Rochester, and the U.S. Coast Guard Academy.