Ohio Northern dedicates Durbin-Hileman softball stadium
Provided by Ohio Northern University
With nearly 250 donors and fans in attendance, Ohio Northern University dedicated its new state-of-the-art softball facility – Durbin-Hileman Softball Stadium – on April 27, 2024. The stadium is named in recognition of lead donors and longtime University supporters Melinda (Durbin) Hileman, BA ’87, and David Hileman, BSBA ’86, BSPh ’86.
The stadium is home to the university’s women’s softball team. It features large dugouts, a new scoreboard with updated technology, padded backstop, upgraded press box, permanent bleachers with bucket seating, field lighting, and natural turf.
More than 167 families contributed to the project.
“We are so thankful for Melinda and David Hileman’s ongoing support of the University and our students,” said ONU President Melissa Baumann, Ph.D. “The stadium is just one example of the tremendous impact they’ve had on ONU. Their numerous contributions of both their knowledge and resources are providing the next generation of students with outstanding opportunities for growth and development both on the field and in the classroom.”
The Hilemans met on campus, where they were highly involved as leaders in student organizations, as letter winners, and as athletes in multiple sports. Melinda Hileman is a member of the ONU Athletics Hall of Fame, and David Hileman is the 2022 recipient of the University’s Distinguished Alumni Award. Their gifts have been instrumental in establishing endowments for softball and women’s basketball. In addition, the Hilemans have been generous supporters of academics in their respective colleges and the Northern Fund.
Durbin-Hileman Stadium arguably gives the Polar Bears the best facility in the Ohio Athletic Conference.
“You don't see this caliber of stadium at a lot of Division III institutions,” said head coach Jackie (Mangola) Price, BS '12. “We’re blessed to have this amazing facility for our student athletes. They have worked extremely hard and deserve to have something like this to play on. We are forever indebted to the Hilemans and our other donors for making this possible.”
Current members of the team are excited about the new facility and what it means for the program.
“My teammates and I are very grateful that we are the first to play on this field,” said junior pitcher Ashley Lenser. “This will elevate our program and help attract recruits from all over.”
Junior outfielder Callie Rosser added, “The new field gives us the opportunity to grow as players, and it provides a much better experience for our fans to come support us. It’s going to help ONU Softball continue to dominate for years to come.”
Architects at Fanning Howey in Celina, Ohio, designed the facility. Helms Construction of Findlay was the lead contractor.
Stories Posted This Week
Friday, May 2, 2025
Thursday, May 1, 2025
Wednesday, April 30, 2025
- Bulldog softball upset by Delphos Jefferson
- Bulldog baseball edged by Jefferson
- Bulldog boys and girls 2nd at Bloomdale track tri-meet
- ONU classed as "lower access, higher earnings" institution
- Field reports from NW Ohio wildlife officers
- Ohio High School All-State Honors Band, ONU Symphonic Band perform May 4
Tuesday, April 29, 2025
- William Douglas Burris worked for Rockwell International
- Beatitudes style show proves thrift can be fashionable
- Bulldog softball rallies for win vs. Falcons
- Bulldog baseball loss vs. Falcons
- Bulldogs compete in Ada JH track invitational
- Bulldog tennis loss vs. Bluffton
- Letter: The benefits of vaccinating newborns and children
Monday, April 28, 2025
- Anabel R. McBride worked for Ada Exempted Village Schools
- Trash to Treasure STEAM program on May 3
- Student entrepreneurs compete in 2025 Polar Innovation Exchange
- Lifesaving AED installed at One More gym on E. Buckeye
- St. Mark Community Meal is April 30
- Alfes wins Medalist honors at OAC golf championships
- Wilma A. Willeke worked at Ohio Northern