The ‘V’ in Valhalla easily could stand for victory based on the quality of the student-athletes who call it home. Since the stadium complex was completed in 2015, Berry teams have won regular-season and/or postseason crowns in all three sports it helped bring to campus: football, lacrosse, and track and field.
This spring, a new team joined the Valhalla family following the completion of a beautiful beach volleyball facility across Maple Drive from the stadium entrance. At the same time, work began to reposition and expand the Dickey Field throws venue for track and field, further enriching the opportunities available to competitors in that sport.
These facility enhancements, like so many others across campus, were made possible by the generosity of alumni and friends, who contributed $2.5 million toward the two projects.
Leading the way once again was trustee Steve Cage (74C), the former Berry pole-vaulter whose previous gifts have helped to fuel a renaissance in the college’s athletic and recreation facilities, making possible the successful transition to NCAA Division III.
Other alumni with ties to Berry athletics also stepped forward as leadership supporters, including Mark (82C) and Judy Howard (82C) Keappler, whose daughter Anna Keappler Whitlock (14C) played volleyball for the Vikings; and former Berry runners Susan Wells Brodrick (97C) and her husband, Brian (97C), now chair of the Berry Board of Visitors and a trustee. Joining them were loyal foundation partners in Atlanta, longtime Berry friends such as the Daughters of the American Revolution and parents of current student-athletes.
Sunny days and sandy feet
With the March opening of Briggs Beach – its name coined by the project’s lead donor – the talented student-athletes competing in Berry’s newest varsity sport gained a first-rate venue in which to showcase their skills, with four courts and ample room for spectators.
Though grateful to have his name associated with the facility, Berry President Steve Briggs was quick to turn the spotlight back on Cage during remarks at the grand opening.
“To put it in volleyball terms, I think of Steve Cage as a great volleyball setter,” Briggs stated. “He makes everyone look better. We’ve had many others come along as well, and I’m grateful to them for their support, but you need a great setter to make the team work.”
The trailblazing program is certainly worthy of such support, having soared to the forefront of its fast-growing sport in just two years’ time.
After finishing their inaugural season with a No. 4 showing at the 2022 American Volleyball Coaches Association Small College Beach Volleyball National Championships, the Vikings very nearly aced, spiked and dug their way to a title in 2023 before falling 3-2 to DIII rival Hendrix College in the finals. Nevertheless, it was an incredible finish for head coach Caitlyn Moriarty (14G) and her team, further highlighted by All-America recognition for senior Peyton Breissinger and sophomore Bella Boston.
With Briggs Beach as their stomping grounds, players, coaches and fans expect even more success in the years ahead.
“This new facility helps us continue to pursue championships and compete at the highest levels of NCAA DIII,” said Dr. Angel Mason, Berry’s director of athletics.
Room to throw
The Berry men’s track and field team raced to a second consecutive Southern Athletic Association championship in late April, shattering the SAA meet record for points in the process.
Beginning this fall, student-athletes competing in the throwing events for the men’s and women’s teams will have even more reason to celebrate thanks to their new home in the expanse between Valhalla and U.S. Highway 27.
Upon completion, the reimagined Dickey Field will feature a trio of dedicated shot-put rings fanning out from the shadow of Valhalla’s visiting bleachers, flanked by fields for the discus, javelin and hammer throws. Previously, all four shared the same space, creating logistical challenges when hosting major events.
Walking the site, head coach Luke Syverson noted the “great spectator experience” available from Valhalla’s bleachers and the surrounding berm, as well as the message such an impressive facility will send to potential recruits: “It says we take throws seriously.”
Valhalla, which also includes eight-lane Clark Track circling Williams Field, proved itself worthy of hosting championship events sponsored by the likes of the SAA and Georgia High School Association even before Dickey Field’s relocation and expansion. With additional capacity for the throws, that list could grow to include NCAA championships or even professional competitions.
