UMW Dedicates Turf Stadium Press Box in Honor of Longtime Athletics Leader
The University of Mary Washington will dedicate the newly named Clint Often Press Box at the Battleground Athletic Complex on Saturday, Sept. 19, honoring Often’s three decades of service to UMW Athletics.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held at approximately 11:30 a.m. at the Turf Stadium, followed by the Eagles’ field hockey game against Gettysburg College at noon. Alumni, friends and members of the UMW community are invited to attend.
“For over 30 years, Clint has been a tireless champion for Mary Washington’s student-athletes,” said Director of Athletics Patrick Catullo. “Through his dedication, professionalism and passion for this department, he has helped tell the story of UMW Athletics and celebrate the accomplishments of generations of Eagles.”
Often, assistant athletic director for communications, sports information and marketing, has overseen many of the University’s greatest sports moments, including hosting 64 NCAA tournament events and four national championships, and directing communications during men’s basketball’s recent run to an NCAA Division III national title. He is a 2022 inductee into the UMW Athletic Hall of Fame, and also that year received the University’s Larry Atkins Award for administrative faculty, recognizing UMW’s unsung heroes.
“This is a tremendous honor, one that I never would have expected or believed,” said Often. “I sincerely want to thank the graciousness of Linda and Porter Blakemore, Ed Hegmann and everyone who gave in supporting this.”
Linda Lemanski Blakemore ’84, a former UMW field hockey and lacrosse player, and her husband, Associate Professor Emeritus of History Porter Blakemore, helped launch the fundraising campaign for the press box with a generous gift. UMW’s former athletic director, Ed Hegmann, who hired Often at Mary Washington in 1996, is also a supporter.
After admittedly being a bit of a vagabond in college, attending four schools in six years while gaining three degrees, Often said he never imagined that he would spend the duration of his career at one institution.
“From the first time I visited campus and met Ed, President Anderson and the coaching staff, I felt like this was home,” he said. “My colleagues over the years have truly made my career a pleasure, and the type of kids Mary Washington attracts is first rate. The experiences I’ve been able to record for posterity, from humorous to incredible, will be lifetime memories.”
The fundraising campaign, which has drawn over 80 donors, was launched in fall 2025 and supports improvements to the Turf Stadium press box. Renovations include modern broadcasting and live-streaming equipment, enhanced internet and game-day technology, and structural improvements. The project also includes custom signage recognizing Often and project donors.
Saturday’s event will include light hors d’oeuvres and beverages. There is no cost to attend, but registration is requested for planning purposes. Both the ceremony and the game are free and open to the public.
Register to attend the Clint Often Press Box ribbon cutting or make a gift in Often’s honor. Learn more about UMW Athletics at UMWEagles.com.
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