WICHITA, Kan. - Former WSU pitching coach Brent Kemnitz is so convinced of the merits of the Eck Stadium renovation project at Wichita State University that he has donated $25,000 to the fundraising campaign for it.

"I want to get people excited about this project, so I need to show that I'm excited, too, by going all in," said Kemnitz, who retired from Shocker baseball in June after a 38-year career. "There is tremendous pride in Shocker baseball, and this project is something that will demonstrate that the program is alive and well and moving forward."

Kemnitz now is working with WSU Athletics and the WSU Foundation to seek donations for the final phase of a five-part development plan for Eck Stadium. The highlight of the $2 million project will be a 10,000-square-foot Performance Facility utilized by student-athletes in baseball, softball, golf and tennis.

Through the years, Kemnitz has watched as Eck Stadium evolved into one of the premier college baseball venues in the country, thanks to the support of WSU alumni and friends who invested in the development plan. Now he wants to see it completed.

"The baseball program is very close to me," Kemnitz said. "To watch it grow to national prominence, to win a national championship, I just feel really blessed to have been a part of it. I want to help write the final chapter in developing an amazing college baseball facility."

Kemnitz began his career with the Shockers in 1978 as a graduate assistant, moving to full-time coaching assistant in 1980. Most of his tenure was spent working with head baseball coach Gene Stephenson, with the final three seasons under Coach Todd Butler. In his new position with WSU Athletics, Kemnitz is meeting with WSU alumni and friends to raise money for the Eck Stadium project, including former players he coached and befriended.

"Brent has always had a gift for relationship-building, whether it was with his players or with our fans and community partners," said Darron Boatright, WSU athletic director. "We're thrilled that he chose to demonstrate his commitment to the baseball program and to the Eck Stadium project by sharing his personal resources to make it happen."

The new Performance Facility at the Eck Stadium complex will house a strength and conditioning center, locker room for baseball players, player lounge, offices for coach and staff, and a media room for viewing game videos. It will provide access to and from the Bombardier Learjet Practice Facility, as well as to the Shocker dugout on the Eck Stadium playing field. As part of the project, the Shocker dugout will be moved from the first-base side of the field to the third-base side. The baseball program's ticket office will also be enlarged and remodeled.