CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – Austin Peay State University will host a groundbreaking for the new APSU Baseball Clubhouse, 2:30 p.m., Friday, Feb. 15, at Joe and Cathi Maynard Field at Raymond C. Hand Park. The Governors Baseball season opener will follow at 3 p.m. with APSU taking on the University of Kentucky Wildcats. Special recognition will be given to lead supporters Doug and Linda Downey and Joe and Cathi Maynard for their generous contributions to the Baseball Facility Improvement Fund.
Several years ago, Joe and Cathi Maynard moved with their family to Montgomery County. As co-owners of ECHO Power Engineering, LLC, Joe and his business partner decided to form a 10-year partnership with APSU to give back to their new community. This led the University's Athletics Department to rename the club level inside Fortera Stadium the ECHO Power Club Level. Since then, Joe and Cathi have increased their support through a major gift to the Baseball and Softball Facility Improvement Fund.
In October 2018, Doug Downey ('79) and his wife Linda were presented with the APSU Board of Trustees' inaugural Philanthropist of the Year Award to recognize their lead gift to the Baseball Facility Improvement Fund. A former Governors baseball player and team captain, Doug has been instrumental in promoting the success of the APSU baseball program in recent years.
"This is a transformational project for Austin Peay Athletics, specifically baseball," APSU Director of Athletics Gerald Harrison said. "Our goal is to consistently enhance the student athlete experience, and with the help of Doug and Linda Downey and Joe and Cathi Maynard we are able to take the next step. As we continue to build for the future, assistance from great friends and investors like these will propel us into our best days, and we aren't done yet!"
To RSVP for the groundbreaking ceremony, email alumni@apsu.edu by Feb. 8 and include "Baseball Groundbreaking" in the subject line. For game ticket information, contact the APSU Athletics Ticket Office at 931-221-PEAY or LetsGoPeay.com/buytickets. To make a contribution to this project, contact Director of Development Jordan Harmon at harmonj@apsu.edu or 931-221-6357.
