New field hockey and lacrosse field to be named after donors

The donation from former field hockey player Cherifa Howarth and her husband Greg will help complete construction of the field hockey and lacrosse field set to open this fall.

Since Temple’s purchase of William Penn High School for $15 million in June 2014, the construction project for a new athletics facility has been on schedule. Workers have demolished the building and started laying turf in place. Now, one of the two fields has something that has been missing—a name.

The field hockey and lacrosse field at the south end of the complex will be named Howarth Field. Cherifa Howarth, a former Temple field hockey player, and her husband Greg made a $500,000 donation to aid construction costs. The Howarths also left their mark at Geasey Field, donating the scoreboard in 2010.

Cherifa Howarth played field hockey from 1994 to 1997. Her 33 career goals rank tenth in program history.

“We hope our giving inspires others to give, whether to field hockey, athletics, or to some other passion they hold,” Cherifa Howarth said in a university-released statement.  “Temple is an extraordinary and diverse place.  We hope others will be inspired to express and support their passions as we have supported ours.”

The north end of the complex will have a soccer field lined with bleachers and surrounded by a 400 meter track for the men’s and women’s cross country teams and the women’s track & field team. A building with bathrooms and a 1,700 square-foot locker room facility will be between the two fields. Entrances will be located on Master Street and Girard Avenue.

The complex is set to open in time for the fall sports season, as field hockey relocates from Geasey Field and both soccer teams leave the Ambler Sports Complex.

Men’s soccer will start the season with a four-game homestand, beginning on August 26 against Manhattan College.  Women’s soccer will play the first night game at the new facility on August 19 against Drexel. The field hockey team opens its schedule with six consecutive home games, and will play 11-of-18 games at Howarth Field.

“Outstanding facilities are essential to the cultivation of exceptional athletic programs,” Athletics Director Pat Kraft said in a university-released statement.  “I know the student-athletes, coaches and fans join me in thanking Cherifa and Greg Howarth for their significant investment and the positive impact their generosity will have on our programs in the years ahead.”

Evan Easterling can be reached at evan.easterling@temple.edu or on Twitter @Evan_Easterling.

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