UMKC Athletic Facilities & Departments Durwood Soccer Stadium and Recreational Field
Durwood Soccer Stadium and Recreational Field will serve as the official home of the Kangaroos and will provide student-athletes, students and community groups with one of the top soccer facilities in The Summit League and the Midwest. The $9 million addition adds to the growing residential feel of the UMKC campus. The gift from the Durwood Foundation and its trustees to construct this stadium is another in their long history of supporting a variety of UMKC initiatives. Durwood will provide seating for 850 fans and a separate addition will host locker rooms, offices and concession areas. Stanley H. Durwood was one of the University’s and the athletic program’s most ardent supporters. His affiliation with UMKC began when NCAA Division I participation was a pipe dream. Durwood also helped establish an endowed scholarship for UMKC student-athletes.
Victor F. Swyden Athletics Training Facility The Victor F. Swyden Athletics Training Facility continues UMKC’s commitment to the total care of each student-athlete. Under the guidance of Head Athletics Trainer Ted Ferris, the UMKC Sports Medicine staff prioritizes prevention, treatment and rehabilitiation in working with Kangaroo student-athletes. Built in 1999, the Swyden Athletics Training Facility honors the memory of former Kansas City councilman and longtime UMKC Athletics supporter Victor F. Swyden, who headed the taskforce that guided the Kangaroos from NAIA to NCAA Division I. A lifetime resident of Kansas City and a graduate of Paseo High School, Swyden was honored in 1993 with the Golden Torch Award, one of the highest honors bestowed by UMKC upon an individual. For the 2009-10 season, the UMKC Athletics Department is teaming up with the UMKC School of Medicine Sports Medicine Fellowship Program, under the direction of Dr. Russell D. White. The Fellowship Program will provide health care for the student-athletes by staffing the training room 3-4 days per week and will also be available to see student-athletes in need of urgent care. Members of the Sports Medicine Fellowship Program will also be present at all major home sporting events and tournaments, in addition to providing assistance with any specific athletic events. Dr. George D. Harris, Dr. Meg Gibson, Dr. Billy Irons, Dr. Matt John and Dr. Emily Lott will all be serving the needs of UMKC student-athletes. Dr. Dan Gurley, meanwhile, is entering is eighth year as the Kangaroos primary orthopedic surgeon, and Dr. Grant Smith serves as the team dentist for the Kangaroos.