(Cedar Falls, IA) -- The University of Northern Iowa's getting a $2 million gift from a Florida couple, to create an outdoor, artificial turf practice facility. The gift is from Doug and Ann Goschke, of Port St. Lucie, Florida
"This past summer Ann and I visited with UNI Head Football Coach Mark Farley. I asked Mark what he needed to make his strong football program better. Without hesitating, he said, 'an artificial turf outdoor practice field.' Ann and I are pleased to make this gift that will provide that facility for Panther football," said Doug Goschke. "As a former collegiate football player, I know that you play like you practice. Having a practice field with turf similar to your competition is a plus."
"Doug and Ann's extraordinary gift will have a tremendous impact on UNI football. The key to the development of a team is through the ability to practice and prepare in a safe and competitive environment," said UNI Head Football Coach Mark Farley. "This new field will allow future Panthers to prepare through all weather conditions on a surface that is safe and usable late into the fall as well as in early spring. I couldn't be more grateful for Doug and Ann's incredible support for our team and our university in transforming our football facilities."
The UNI Athletics Department says the facility will ease scheduling conflicts in the UNI-Dome, with other sports and revenue-generating events like the high school football championships, sport shows and concerts.
The facility will be named in honor of the Goschkes. The Goschkes made their gift in memory of Doug's late sister, Junean Goschke, a 1966 alumna of the State College of Iowa, now the University of Northern Iowa. During her lifetime, Junean served on a number of UNI Athletics advisory boards. The field serves as a testament to the Goschke family legacy at the University of Northern Iowa. Doug's sisters, Pam Goschke and Sue Goschke, also graduated from UNI in 1973 and 1977, respectively. Additionally, Doug and Ann have several nieces and a nephew who graduated from the University of Northern Iowa.
"Doug and Ann's gift will help our football program prepare to compete at a championship level," said UNI Director of Athletics David Harris. "Over the next several years, our plan is to continue to provide our sports programs the resources necessary to achieve unprecedented success as outlined in our strategic plan. Doug and Ann are helping us achieve the lofty goals we've set for our football program and are propelling UNI Athletics to new heights. We are extremely thankful for their generous support of our department."
Construction on the project is set to begin in the spring of 2021.