Sherman, Texas -- Austin College has announced it will break ground on a new athletic training and development facility this summer, with completion expected in spring 2027. The facility will be named the Foster Hyde Athletic Center in honor of Mike ’86 and Rexanne Foster and Blake Hyde ’86, who are largely responsible for the necessary funds to construct the facility. Several other gifts made the project possible, including leadership gifts from Roger ’76 and Bunny Luttrell, Ward ’76 and Sheri McCarley ’76, Sarah Gunderson ’81, and Tom Hall ’78.
Austin College engaged Mammoth Sports Construction to work closely with Athletics staff and College leadership to develop a roadmap for addressing the College’s current and future athletics facilities needs for the next 15-20 years.
Mammoth helped to create the concept for the Foster Hyde Athletics Center, which is to be constructed on the existing practice field west of Apple Stadium. The new center will greatly improve the experience for student-athletes, who currently share training space in the Mason Complex’s Dickey Fitness Pavilion. A dedicated varsity athletic training and development facility prioritizes the opportunity for student-athletes to achieve their highest developmental potential in all the College’s programs.
“Austin College Athletics is undergoing a vital evolution as we build a program that seeks competitive excellence balanced with our established and well-respected academic rigor,” said Director of Athletics Michelle Filander. “The Foster Hyde Athletic Center is a pivotal first step in strengthening the overall student-athlete experience.”
The new 8,200 square foot facility will serve all 15 varsity sports. It will include 20 weight-training racks, indoor turf for conditioning, batting cages, state-of-the-art training equipment, and office space for coaches.
Mike Foster and Blake Hyde both serve on the Austin College Board of Trustees and played football for Austin College during their time as students—and both have been inducted into the Athletics Hall of Honor, in 2024 and 2006 respectively. Because of the impact of their time on the field, both are passionate about the student-athlete experience and the opportunity to help Austin College student-athletes reach their full potential.
Austin College, a private national liberal arts college located north of Dallas in Sherman, Texas, has earned a reputation for excellence in academic preparation, pre-professional foundations, committed faculty, and hands-on, adventurous learning opportunities. One of 45 schools profiled in Loren Pope’s influential book Colleges That Change Lives, Austin College boasts a welcoming community that embraces diversity and individuality, with more than 50 percent of students identifying as persons of color. The residential student body of approximately 1,300 students and an expert faculty of more than 100 educators allow an 11:1 student-faculty ratio and personalized attention. Related by covenant to the Presbyterian Church (USA), Austin College cultivates an inclusive atmosphere that supports students’ faith journeys regardless of religious tradition. The College, founded in 1849, is the oldest institution of higher education in Texas operating under original name and charter.
