Everybody wins in this new athletics match-up

Talk about a win-win situation. AIB College of Business and Des Moines Public Schools have joined in a partnership involving use of the Lincoln High School softball and baseball fields at 1000 Porter Ave. It’s a great deal for both parties – and for all of Des Moines’ south side.  

AIB's newly organized softball and baseball programs, which begin competition in the Midwest Collegiate Conference (MCC) of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) in spring 2014, will use the fields for practice and home games. The school district will be responsible for most maintenance of the fields, and AIB will contribute to the cost of their renovation.

A three-year plan includes sod removal, grading and replacing playing fields with irrigation system, new mounds and plates; fence installation, construction of brick dugouts and construction of batting cages.

As a result of the renovation, AIB College of Business will have the use of collegiate-level softball and baseball fields that are near its campus. The presence of strong athletic programs and top-notch facilities strengthens AIB’s potential for increasing enrollment through recruitment of local students, and it helps attract to Des Moines students from around Iowa and from other states.

At the same time, Lincoln High School will have assistance in upgrading facilities to use as their home fields, and the city of Des Moines will benefit from beautification of a very visible area.

This project undoubtedly will promote an increased interest in softball and baseball programs on Des Moines' south side, and an enhanced interest in local athletic teams often serves to unify the community that supports the teams. South-side residents get a double bonus: They’ll be able to take pride in both its high school teams and the teams of the college that is located in their neighborhood.

Participants who play or coach on the renovated fields will experience increased safety levels from improved field conditions and structurally sound dugouts and batting cages, while spectators who support the Lincoln High School and AIB softball and baseball teams will enjoy a more comfortable atmosphere.

 “This is an exciting partnership for both AIB and Lincoln High School,” says AIB President Nancy Williams. “AIB also will have the opportunity to establish a feeder system of student-athletes for all sports from a major Central Iowa Metropolitan League (CIML) high school in Des Moines.”

Superintendent Tom Ahart says Des Moines Public Schools is fortunate to have partnerships with many higher education institutions in central Iowa.

“This is a great opportunity to expand our relationship with AIB,” Ahart says. “This joint effort not only benefits student-athletes at both Lincoln and AIB but will enhance a public venue in our south-side community.”

AIB, an independent nonprofit college, also offers men’s and women’s basketball, golf, soccer and bowling, plus volleyball; and it supports programs in competitive dance and cheerleading.