By RANGERS ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT
Jim Dunning, a 1981 graduate of Northwestern Oklahoma State University, may not have put up hall of fame statistics, but his love of Northwestern and generous spirit will make a lasting impact on the future success of athletics at his alma mater.
A gift from him will allow Northwestern to fully complete its indoor athletic training facility located at the former National Guard armory on Thunderbird Road.
“I’d been thinking a lot about what it takes to make an impact, what it takes to make a difference to someone or to an organization, whether it is time, talent or treasure as the saying goes,” Dunning said. “The timing was right and I knew that I could give back. I could tell this would make a difference.”
With Dunning’s help, Northwestern now plans to install an artificial turf surface on the large open drill floor, allowing baseball, softball, women’s soccer and golf teams, along with cheerleaders and band members, to utilize a year-round practice facility.
Baseball and softball teams will benefit from two 70-foot long ceiling mounted batting cages that can be raised and lowered at the touch of a button. Portable pitching mounds also will be available.
The armory was given to Northwestern in 2011 by the State of Oklahoma and was partially renovated to create locker areas and weight training facilities for the softball and women’s soccer programs. Those facilities will now include wireless internet and cable televisions, along with the construction of an athletic training room complete with taping tables, ice machines and refrigerator.
Already, the inside of the facility has a new coat of paint.
“It’s a game changer as far as recruiting and providing top-notch facilities for our programs,” Brad Franz, director of athletics, said. “Mr. Dunning’s gift will positively impact the lives of hundreds of student-athletes who will use this facility. We are so grateful for his willingness to invest in Northwestern and our athletic programs.”
Sam Carel, head baseball coach, said the gift is a reflection of Dunning’s personal beliefs.
“One thing that I have come to know about Jim is that he is a great man who is passionate about Ranger baseball and helping young people,” Carel said. “He has always understood the importance of having this indoor training complex, one that will be rivaled by very few institutions throughout the Midwest. I am personally humbled that Jim believes in all of us so much that he was willing to give such a generous gift that will help Ranger athletics achieve great success.”
Dunning said he is excited about the opportunities the facility will provide.
“It’s also cool that it makes a difference not just with baseball, which is near and dear to my heart, but to the softball, soccer and golf programs as well. I was humbled and flattered to be asked to help. It’s given me a lot of joy already and it’s not even done yet.”
Dunning played baseball for Coach Cecil Perkins during the 1979 and 1980 seasons. He graduated with a double major in accounting and physical education.
Following graduation he married his wife of 35 years, Jill, and the couple settled in Wichita, Kan. He joined the family accounting firm in 1985, Dunning and Associates, where he works with his father, who at age 81 still opens the office every day.
“It is fun to hear Sam (Carel) tell the guys over and over about how this is one of our own doing this,” Dunning said. “That is very gratifying and it makes me smile to share. Every day is truly a great day to be a Ranger.”