A showing the installation of the new turf is now available.

LEXINGTON, Ky. ? The University of Kentucky football program is undergoing its sixth major facilities upgrade in the last three years as a new playing surface is being installed in the Nutter Field House.

Installation of the new FieldTurf surface is in progress and expected to be completed in June. FieldTurf features a base mix of sand and rubber particles that gives the field a soft, springy cushion, enhancing the comfort and safety of the players. FieldTurf is used in the stadium and/or practice facility of 22 National Football League teams, along with more than 40 major colleges and three Major League Baseball teams.

“I’m very excited about the change,” said Coach Rich Brooks. “The FieldTurf will be much more conducive to good practices when we use our indoor facility.”

The Nutter Field House practice area is a full 100 yards in length, plus end zones. The new FieldTurf replaces the artificial surface that was installed when Nutter was constructed in 1993.

“We are pleased to earn this association with the University of Kentucky, a school with a storied athletic tradition and membership in the SEC, perhaps the finest and toughest football conference in the country,” said Joe Fields, chief executive officer of the FieldTurf Tarkett company. “FieldTurf will provide Coach Brooks and his team with a state-of-the-art turf field that will be the finest in the SEC.”

The new playing surface is part of the continuing effort to keep Kentucky at the top of football facilities. In just the last three years, athletics director Mitch Barnhart has invested approximately $4,465,000 on six projects that enhance the safety and efficiency of the players and are attractive to prospective student-athletes. In addition to the new indoor playing field, completed projects include:

• a new outdoor practice area at the Nutter Training Center, including two beautiful grass fields, a sports turf field, drainage system and stadium-style lights;
• a new locker room at Commonwealth Stadium, consolidating the team from two locker rooms to one;
• a new playing surface at Commonwealth Stadium;
• a new locker room, shower, and bathroom facilities at the Nutter Training Center; and
• a new team meeting room at the Nutter Training Center with state-of-the-art video capability.

Masthay Headed to Ghana: Wildcat punter Tim Masthay is among a team of students that is going on an educational and service trip to the African country of Ghana during the next two weeks.

The trip is sponsored by the UK Education Abroad program and led by Dr. Kwaku Addo, associate dean of the UK Graduate School. The group will go on a study tour that involves visiting landmarks and immersion in the culture of Ghana. In addition, there are service projects planned at a school and orphanage.

“One of my goals is to serve in the Peace Corps in Africa and I wanted to take this opportunity,” said Masthay, when asked about his motivation for the trip. “I know it sounds cheesy, but I want to serve my country and make a difference in the world.”

On the football field, Masthay (Murray, Ky.) has been a three-year starting punter, averaging a career-best 39.8 yards per punt last season. He handled kickoffs last season and led the Southeastern Conference in touchbacks. He also was the placekick holder for record-setting kicker Lones Seiber. Masthay was named UK’s Special Teams Player of the Year. He will be a senior in the 2008 season.

In the classroom, Masthay has a major in economics and was a second-team Academic All-American in 2007. He has been involved with community service, working as a bellringer for the Salvation Army and volunteering at the American Cancer Society Relay for Life and the Hope Lodge, among other activities.

Gabriel Receives Kentucky Sportscaster of the Year: Dick Gabriel, a member of IMG Sports and the Big Blue Sports Network broadcast team, received the Kentucky Sportscaster of the Year award at the annual National Sportscasters and Sportswriters Association banquet in Salisbury, N.C.

Gabriel has filled numerous roles in his 19 years on the BBSN team, including play-by-play, analysis, pregame, postgame, sideline reporting and coaches’ shows for television and radio broadcasts of Wildcat football, basketball and baseball. In addition, Gabriel has a syndicated sports talk show, based at Lexington’s WLAP Radio, and also is a contributor for WKYT television.

Gabriel joins UK play-by-play announcer Tom Leach as current members of the BBSN broadcast team who have won the award.

In addition to Gabriel’s honor, Larry Vaught of the Danville Advocate-Messenger was recognized as the Kentucky Sportswriter of the Year.