Liberty Dedicates Kamphuis Field at Liberty Softball Stadium
4/3/2015 12:00:00 AM | Softball
Prior to the beginning of today's Big South softball doubleheader against Presbyterian, Liberty Athletics held a special dedication ceremony as part of the grand opening of the new softball facility.
During the ceremony, Liberty University President Jerry Falwell, Jr., and Director of Athletics Jeff Barber were recognized for their commitment to provide Liberty's student-athletes with all they need to succeed, both on the field and in the classroom.
Former Lady Flames Head Softball Coach Paul Wetmore (1994-2013) offered a prayer of dedication for the state-of-the art facility, while Liberty Head Softball Coach Dot Richardson threw out the ceremonial first pitch.
The highlight of the pre-game ceremony was the announcement of naming rights of the field, which will now be called Kamphuis Field at Liberty Softball Stadium in honor of Dwayne Kamphuis.
Dwayne Kamphuis, a financial supporter of Liberty University and the softball program, is a legendary fast pitch softball pitcher. Kamphuis traveled the world playing in exhibition softball games as part of the renowned "King and His Court" team, headed up by Eddie "The King" Feigner.
Kamphuis joined the "King and His Court" four-man team in 1966 and thrilled softball fans with his tremendous pitching abilities until he retired in 1983. He maintained a 0.075 ERA and had two no-hitters.
The "King and His Court" regularly played in front of sellout crowds against such opponents as the Miami Dolphins and the Minnesota Vikings. The softball Hall of Famer's career took him around the world, including performances in Lynchburg, Va., in front of Liberty University Founder. Dr. Jerry Falwell.
Kamphuis was unable to attend the ceremony, but was offered a rousing round of applause by the fans gathered at the stadium for his generous financial support. Liberty Athletics has hung a sign with the playing surface's new "Kamphuis Field" from the video board in center field.
