BETHLEHEM, Pa. --- Earlier this summer, Moravian University replaced the turf surface on John Makuvek Field with an AstroTurf RootZone 3D3 Blend Trionic turf system.
"We're incredibly excited about the new turf installation here at Moravian," stated Assistant Athletic Director for Operations and Events Morgan Mercier. "The AstroTurf RootZone 3D3 Blend with the Brock shock pad represents a major investment in the safety, performance, and experience of our student-athletes. We're truly grateful for the continued support and commitment to our athletic programs. This project is a testament to how much Moravian values the role athletics plays in the student experience. It's going to elevate everything we do on this field, from practices to game day, and we can't wait for our teams and fans to see the difference."
AstroTurf's RootZone 3D3 Blend Trionic turf system, featuring 52 oz. face weight and a 1.5-inch pile height, installed over a high-performance Brock shock pad for added safety and durability. This premium turf system represents the gold standard in synthetic athletic surfaces. The RootZone 3D3 Blend combines three advanced fiber types – the Trionic fiber, a patented polyethylene/nylon blend, alongside slit film and monofilament fibers – to deliver the perfect balance of durability, playability, and aesthetics. The RootZone sub-layer provides enhanced infill encapsulation, minimizing infill migration and improving player safety by offering better footing and a more natural feel underfoot.
At the heart of this system is Trionic fiber technology, a unique innovation that blends the resilience of nylon with the softness and UV stability of polyethylene. This results in a field that is not only stronger and longer lasting than traditional synthetic turf but also provides superior traction, reduced abrasion, and a consistent playing experience across all weather conditions. Beneath the turf lies Brock PowerBase shock pad, engineered to absorb impact and reduce the risk of injuries by providing consistent GMAX and HIC values across the entire surface. This layer plays a crucial role in enhancing athlete safety, mitigating lower extremity fatigue, and prolonging the lifespan of the turf system.
"The players are going to enjoy the new turf surface," noted Head Women's Soccer Coach Jeff Ykoruk. "It plays considerably more like a grass field with less bouncing and will lead to a higher quality of soccer. The shock pad technology under the turf will provide an additional layer of cushioning, which will minimize the risk of injury. The navy design surrounding the field with Moravian University on the sideline and the new HUB makes it easily one of the region's top venues at our level."
The initial synthetic surface was installed in the summer of 2016 along with competition lighting and a press box to become the home for the Greyhounds' men's and women's soccer, men's and women's lacrosse and field hockey programs.
The field was named for former men's soccer, men's golf and athletic director John Makuvek at a formal ceremony on September 24, 2016. Makuvek spent 24 years as Moravian's soccer coach, leading the Greyhounds to a 219-134-31 record with two NCAA Division III Tournament appearances, and he was the golf coach for 43 years with a 316-193 mark and four conference titles. Makuvek was selected to the Middle Atlantic Conference Hall of Fame this past June.
The first regular season contest slated for the new AstroTurf is on Wednesday, September 3 when the field hockey squad hosts rival Muhlenberg College at 7:00 p.m. Both soccer programs and the field hockey team will begin their preseason workouts on the field on Saturday, August 16.
