By Doug Harris

Flyer men's soccer coach Dennis Currier has had plenty of selling points about his program to share with visiting recruits — from winning Atlantic 10 Championships and developing players to be ready for a professional career to a premier stadium in Baujan Field, revamped offices, locker rooms and meeting spaces.

And now – thanks to a transformational gift from Margie and Bill Klesse – the University of Dayton men's and women's soccer programs will have one of the best practice facilities in the nation too.

"Margie and Bill are intensely focused on serving the students, and there is no place students spend more time than on the practice field," UD Vice President/Director of Athletics Neil Sullivan said. "Their commitment to the student experience is as strong as any donor I've encountered, and we're honored they decided to invest in University of Dayton students and our soccer programs."

UD is completing a cycle of investment in its successful soccer programs with this new practice complex at its current site adjacent to Fitz Hall.

"Margie and I are very pleased to be able to help the men's and women's soccer programs with improved facilities," Bill Klesse said.  "We are very supportive of soccer as it is a terrific game and teaches teamwork, discipline and strategy while requiring skills which are obtained by dedication and practice. The improved practice facilities will fit nicely with UD's overall athletic facilities."

When it's finished in September, The Margie and Bill Klesse Soccer Complex will include an inviting entrance, separate fields for the men and women, covered benches and seating for protection from the elements and wind shields with signage on the existing fencing to increase privacy and decrease traffic noise.

The teams also will be getting new goals, additional storage and a swath of artificial turf between the fields for specialized instruction.
 
"This is already as good as some people's game fields," said UD women's soccer coach Mike Tucker. "I'm sure when teams get a walk-through or train before they play us here, they'll say, 'This is a practice facility?'"

"We're extremely excited about this. This is going to give us one of the best practice facilities in Division I soccer," Currier added. "We've got another incredible facility to show recruits. We couldn't be more thankful to the Klesses for such an amazing gift to the soccer program."

Bill, a four-year starter, co-captain and two-time MVP of the Flyer men's soccer team graduated in 1968 with a degree in chemical engineering. Margie is a 1968 UD graduate with a degree in chemistry, and was also a Dayton Flyerette. They will attend a dedication and blessing for the facility in April.

"Margie and I are pleased to be able to give something back to UD as soccer was a big part of our college years," Bill Klesse said. "Hopefully, the improved facilities will contribute to a continuing successful program where our players excel."

Both programs have been on a roll. Currier has a 113-67-34 record in 10 years with the Flyers and led them to their first NCAA tournament win last season. Tucker, who is in his 22^nd season, is one of 17 active Division-I coaches with 300+ career victories and has guided UD to a combined 20 Atlantic 10 regular-season and tournament titles.

Having an appealing practice facility can only help the cause.

"We have so many great facilities here. And having a place to practice like this is going to really take the programs to the next level," men's senior goalie Justin Sailba said.