Central Michigan University Athletics
Photo by: Julia Bice '22,M'24 - @jb.jpg10
University, Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe Come Together for Ground Blessing at New Golf Facility
6/24/2026 8:01:00 PM | General, Women's Golf, Chippewa Fund, Men's Golf, Our Stories
'Vision, partnership and philanthropy come together'
MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich. – A day of celebration and gratitude as Central Michigan Athletics welcomed the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe on Wednesday for the Ground Blessing at the site of the university's new golf facility.
University President Dr. Neil MacKinnon, Board of Trustees Chair Dr. Denise Williams Mallett, and SCIT Chief Lucas Sprague were among the speakers who addressed gathering of about 60 donors, supporters, athletics department personnel, members of the CMU Board of Trustees, and Tribal Council members on the site of the facility, located just west of Theunissen Stadium on the CMU campus.
The ceremonial groundbreaking is scheduled for mid-September.
Tribal member Joseph Sowmick performed the smudging ceremony and SCIT Chaplain Jennifer Wassegijig offered a prayer in both Anishinaabe and English.
"Today we bless the ground of a new structure and the future of CMU golf teams with a deep reverence for the land beneath our feet," MacKinnon said. "I extend our deepest gratitude to our neighbors, partners and, indeed, friends, the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe.
"CMU recognizes the land that we stand on today has been shepherded by the Anishinaabe people for generations and to have the Tribe here today to bless this ground ensures that we begin this project the right way with respect, gratitude and unity.
"I want to thank the Tribe not just for today's blessing, but for being an enduring partner and for your passionate support of CMU Athletics. We are incredibly proud to partner with you."
Each of the speakers, including SCIT Public Relations Interim Director Erik Rodriguez and Zyzelewski Family Vice President/Director of Athletics Amy Folan, expressed their deep gratitude to donors Rocky and Traci Racilli along with Thomas and Sharon Weirich for their extraordinary vision and generosity.
"As we mark a transformational moment here at Central Michigan University and in CMU Athletics, this new CMU men's and women's golf facility represents what is possible when a vision, partnership and philanthropy come together," said Board of Trustees Chair Williams Mallett. "While we celebrate a new facility, what we're really celebrating is opportunity, the opportunity for student-athletes to learn, compete, grow and reach their fullest potential.
"As chair of the board, I can say with confidence that this project reflects our strategic vision, our strategic priorities, and our belief in the future of this institution. The impact of today's ground blessing will extend far beyond these walls; it will be measured in student success and in lifelong relationships and the legacy for those who follow us. Today is a celebration of what can happen when a community comes together around a shared vision."
The Board of Trustees approved funding for the 40-acre, year-round facility in April, 2025. It will provide indoor and outdoor practice facilities including putting and short-range practice areas, multiple hitting bays with golf simulators, locker rooms and a fitness area, among other amenities.
"I've been told it will be the finest golf facility in the MAC and will rank among the very best in the entire country," MacKinnon said. "Ultimately this multi-million dollar facility is about one thing, and that is our student-athletes.
"They juggle rigorous academic schedules, early morning workouts, and intense competition all while representing CMU with the utmost integrity. I'm incredibly proud of our student-athletes. They represent the very best of CMU and this facility is a testament to our alumni and our supporters' commitment to their success both on the leaderboard and in life."
University President Dr. Neil MacKinnon, Board of Trustees Chair Dr. Denise Williams Mallett, and SCIT Chief Lucas Sprague were among the speakers who addressed gathering of about 60 donors, supporters, athletics department personnel, members of the CMU Board of Trustees, and Tribal Council members on the site of the facility, located just west of Theunissen Stadium on the CMU campus.
The ceremonial groundbreaking is scheduled for mid-September.
Tribal member Joseph Sowmick performed the smudging ceremony and SCIT Chaplain Jennifer Wassegijig offered a prayer in both Anishinaabe and English.
"Today we bless the ground of a new structure and the future of CMU golf teams with a deep reverence for the land beneath our feet," MacKinnon said. "I extend our deepest gratitude to our neighbors, partners and, indeed, friends, the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe.
"CMU recognizes the land that we stand on today has been shepherded by the Anishinaabe people for generations and to have the Tribe here today to bless this ground ensures that we begin this project the right way with respect, gratitude and unity.
"I want to thank the Tribe not just for today's blessing, but for being an enduring partner and for your passionate support of CMU Athletics. We are incredibly proud to partner with you."
Each of the speakers, including SCIT Public Relations Interim Director Erik Rodriguez and Zyzelewski Family Vice President/Director of Athletics Amy Folan, expressed their deep gratitude to donors Rocky and Traci Racilli along with Thomas and Sharon Weirich for their extraordinary vision and generosity.
"As we mark a transformational moment here at Central Michigan University and in CMU Athletics, this new CMU men's and women's golf facility represents what is possible when a vision, partnership and philanthropy come together," said Board of Trustees Chair Williams Mallett. "While we celebrate a new facility, what we're really celebrating is opportunity, the opportunity for student-athletes to learn, compete, grow and reach their fullest potential.
"As chair of the board, I can say with confidence that this project reflects our strategic vision, our strategic priorities, and our belief in the future of this institution. The impact of today's ground blessing will extend far beyond these walls; it will be measured in student success and in lifelong relationships and the legacy for those who follow us. Today is a celebration of what can happen when a community comes together around a shared vision."
The Board of Trustees approved funding for the 40-acre, year-round facility in April, 2025. It will provide indoor and outdoor practice facilities including putting and short-range practice areas, multiple hitting bays with golf simulators, locker rooms and a fitness area, among other amenities.
"I've been told it will be the finest golf facility in the MAC and will rank among the very best in the entire country," MacKinnon said. "Ultimately this multi-million dollar facility is about one thing, and that is our student-athletes.
"They juggle rigorous academic schedules, early morning workouts, and intense competition all while representing CMU with the utmost integrity. I'm incredibly proud of our student-athletes. They represent the very best of CMU and this facility is a testament to our alumni and our supporters' commitment to their success both on the leaderboard and in life."
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