Eastern Arizona College Kicks Off New Chapter at Historic John Mickelson Field

By Kris McBride/EAC

THATCHER —  More than six decades after its original dedication, one of Eastern Arizona College’s most storied athletic landmarks has a new look — and a new generation of Gila Monsters ready to make history on its field.

Nearly 350 students, alumni, community members and supporters gathered Saturday, Oct. 10, to celebrate the renovation of historic John Mickelson Field. The festivities featured nationally ranked soccer programs, a stadium light show and a ceremonial kickoff that traded traditional ribbon-cutting scissors for soccer balls.

Originally dedicated during EA’s South Campus expansion in 1963, the stadium honors John Mickelson, a former EA Governing Board president and Arizona state senator who helped establish Arizona’s junior college system.

For generations, the field has been a gathering place for students, families and Gila Valley residents. Now, a major renovation has prepared the landmark for its next chapter.

At the heart of the transformation is a new Hellas Pivot Performance Turf playing surface designed to accommodate both soccer and football. Fresh paint and improved stadium facilities complete the upgrades, giving the historic venue a renewed look while preserving its legacy.

The celebration came during an exciting season for EA soccer. Under head coach Charles Long, the women’s team has enjoyed an outstanding season, recently climbing to No. 4 in the NJCAA Division I national rankings and earning a place among the nation’s top five programs.

Under head coach Abe Tizaf, the men’s team has also made history, earning its first-ever NJCAA national ranking at No. 16 in the Division I national poll. The milestone reflects the program’s continued growth and success.

Both teams took center stage Saturday, hosting Yavapai College in a doubleheader that showcased the College’s growing soccer tradition.

The men’s team opened the evening with a closely contested match, falling 1-0 to Yavapai.

Between games, attention shifted from the scoreboard to midfield for an occasion-fitting ceremony.

Instead of gathering behind a ribbon, EA President Todd Haynie joined college leaders, project partners, and special guests at midfield, each standing behind a soccer ball.

As spectators counted down, the group sent their soccer balls rolling toward EA student-athletes in a synchronized ceremonial kickoff, marking the field’s new beginning with a nod to the athletes who will carry its legacy forward.

A stadium LED light show, the EA fight song and giveaways from the College’s soccer teams added to the celebration.

The women’s soccer team then delivered a fitting finale, defeating Yavapai 1-0.

Luca Csombor scored the winning goal, with assists credited to Bryana Castro and Hinoki Kawabe. EA controlled the offensive tempo, outshot Yavapai 30-4, and closed out the evening with a victory on the renovated field.

For Haynie, the celebration represented more than an improved athletic facility. It was an investment in the students, traditions and community connections that have defined Eastern Arizona College for generations.

“It is wonderful to see this historic EA facility renewed for the next generation of Gila Monsters and for the entire Gila Valley,” Haynie said. “This field is for our students, alumni and community members. We look forward to the games, celebrations and memories that will be made here for many years to come.”

A Kickoff for the History Books: Eastern Arizona College leaders, coaches, community supporters and project partners take part in a ceremonial soccer kickoff celebrating the renovation of historic John Mickelson Field on Saturday, Oct. 10. Pictured from left are Kenny Smith, EA dean of student services; Charles Long, EA head women’s soccer coach; Paul Demuth, EA director of athletics; Donnie Yantis, business development manager for Hellas Construction; Dr. Susan Wood, EA vice president of academic and student affairs; Todd Haynie, EA president; Dr. Brad Montierth, EA Governing Board secretary; Bruce Warner, president of Gila Hank’s Booster Club; Jim Palmer, treasurer of Gila Hank’s Booster Club; Abe Tizaf, EA head men’s soccer coach; Javier Holguin, EA assistant men’s soccer coach; and Gila Hank, EA’s mascot. The celebration drew nearly 350 attendees and featured a soccer doubleheader, stadium light show and festivities honoring the field’s more than 60-year legacy.

Celebrating a New Era at John Mickelson Field: Eastern Arizona College leaders, coaches, project partners and community supporters gather for a commemorative photo moments after the ceremonial kickoff celebrating the renovation of historic John Mickelson Field on Saturday, Oct. 10. Pictured from left are Kenny Smith, EA dean of student services; Paul Demuth, EA director of athletics; Jim Palmer, treasurer of Gila Hank’s Booster Club; Donnie Yantis, business development manager for Hellas Construction; Dr. Susan Wood, EA vice president of academic and student affairs; Bruce Warner, president of Gila Hank’s Booster Club; Todd Haynie, EA president; Dr. Brad Montierth, EA Governing Board secretary; Abe Tizaf, EA head men’s soccer coach; Javier Holguin, EA assistant men’s soccer coach; and Gila Hank, EA’s mascot. 

About Eastern Arizona College:

Since 1888, Eastern Arizona College has been the undisputed Smart Higher Education Destination, shaping student dreams into reality. With a faculty of qualified and caring instructors, EA is committed to preparing students for high-demand careers and advanced studies at top universities.

Offering a diverse range of over 90 degrees and certificates, EA is home to the state’s premier nursing school, a fine arts program featuring Arizona’s only community college marching band, and an engineering program that equips students for success at top-tiered firms and universities.

Beyond academics, EA is a vibrant community where students thrive, forging connections that last a lifetime. Experience on-campus housing, engage in over 30 clubs and organizations, participate in dynamic intramurals, and cheer for nationally ranked athletic and e-sports teams.

What sets EA apart is its commitment to financial accessibility, allowing most students to graduate with $0 debt. 

Choose Eastern Arizona College as your Smart Higher Education Destination. For more information, contact admissions@eac.edu or call (928) 428-8272.