Football roost getting new look at 'Berg

Former Heidelberg University football coach Paul “The Fox” Hoernemann has been known as the “ultimate coach, a master tactician and a remarkable recruiter.” Saturday, the university is to dedicate the Hoernemann Stadium and The Fox Den Alumni Center, which was named in honor of one of the top-ranking college coaches of all time. Hoernemann is a 1938 Heidelberg alum. In his 14 years as head football coach, his teams only lost 18 games. During his tenure, the Student Princes won the Ohio Conference in 1948, 1952, 1954, 1956 and 1959. After retiring from coaching, Hoernemann remained at Heidelberg as a vice president for alumni relations and fundraising until his death in 1965. Connie Harris, vice president for Institutional Advancement and University Relations, said: “This stadium is so much more than seats and a field. It’s a venue for athletic competitions and practice but even more for all members of the community.” The stadium was first thought of in December 2013. Jim Minehart executive director for Development and Planned Giving said the stadium and alumni center is part of Heidelberg’s Strategic Action Plan as part of phase two. “The stadium is the eighth new or renovated facility on campus since Heidelberg University President Robert Huntington’s arrival,” Minehart said. “Paul Hoernemann’s legacy is all about inspiration,” Huntington said. “This building is a gateway for people, ideas, activities and events. The stadium and alumni center, a $5.1 million tri-level facility, is to feature seating for about 1,500 including standing room only and the ability to add more capacity in the future; an indoor reception area; an exhibit gallery and private viewing deck with access to reserved seating; an upper press box, concessions and restrooms, track level locker rooms; athletic training room for wrestling and for other indoor sports; an area designated for pre-game activities and outdoor events. “It is to be a permanent place for the entire campus community to gather for games and larger events,” Huntington said. “Expect to stage together for outdoor commencements, theatre, and concerts too. Our dedication ceremony on Oct. 11 will be exciting and uplifting for everyone. It has been a thrill to watch the facility rise out of the hillside and transform Mayer Field.”