MCLA Athletic Complex.
The story behind the Athletic Complex at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts began years before the first game was played under the lights. It began with the need for more land, which led to the purchase of Scully Farm.
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MCLA has always been a college with a growing ambition. It took years for their athletic department to find a home for their baseball, softball, soccer, track, and tennis teams. They tried to build a baseball field across from Hoosac Street but soon realized it wouldn't be practical. In the 1960s, college leaders continuously sought land closer to the college; but it turned out to be just not seem economically or politically feasible to buy land in the immediate vicinity of the college.
The search for land for athletic fields finally ended when the school acquired funds for a 15- to 20-acre plot of land from Sprague Electric Company. The land was known as Scully Farm. The closing of the estate of Agnes Scully's property took place on Monday, March 10, 1975. The college saw this land as an opportunity to build something lasting and impactful, not only for their students but also for the community. The athletic complex is located on West Shaft Rd in North Adams, MA, around 3 miles from school and adjoining Windsor Lake.
After renovations and construction, the athletic complex included softball and baseball fields, a soccer field surrounded by a track, 6-8 tennis courts, a field house for storage, toilet and shower facilities, and adequate parking. These renovations did not come without their setbacks. Early on, the college was experiencing drainage issues. There were deep holes and ruts four to five inches deep from water washing down the road from behind the school. They found that because the land used to be a farm and it was relatively flat, it would constantly hold water. Before the college built the complex, they had to install proper drainage so sports could be held as safely as possible.
On September 16, 1995, the school dedicated the athletic complex in honor of long-time athlete and baseball coach Joseph Zavattaro. He won or shared two Massachusetts State College Athletic Conference championships. During his coaching career, he also carried a winning percentage of .624, winning 493 games out of 785. This was not his first award. His commitment and dedication to not only the student athletes that he helped but also the school earned him many accolades. He was also the recipient of the Jack Butterfield Distinguished Service Award, the highest recognition given by the New England Intercollegiate Baseball Association. This recognition acknowledged his leadership, sportsmanship, and guidance in collegiate baseball.
The athletic complex, dedicated to Joseph Zavattaro, continues to influence and shape MCLA’s athletics history.
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MCLA Athletic Complex, 2010.
Since being acquired, MCLA's Athletic Complex has undergone a series of renovations and additions. | Source: Courtesy of Freel Library.
Athletic Field.
Sport teams don’t just carry wins and losses; they hold the power of ambition and resilience through long practices, early mornings, and the pursuit of always wanting something more. | Source: Courtesy of MCLA Freel Library.
Baseball Field Before.
Before players, fans, and games, it was just land waiting to become a home for many. | Source: Courtesy of MCLA Freel Library.
Dedication.
Dedicating the athletic complex to Joseph Zavattaro was more than just a ceremony; it marked the new era of all sports teams at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts. | Source: Courtesy of MCLA Freel Library.
Map.
Before any construction or any game, the athletic complex was just a dream on a piece of paper. It captured the school's vision to improve opportunities for its students. | Source: Courtesy of MCLA Freel Library.
Water Damage.
The constant water draining difficulties taught sports teams that you will face challenges, and it's how you overcome them that people will remember. | Source: Courtesy of MCLA Freel Library.