Aug. 25, 2011

On Thursday night, Oakland University hosted its first-ever soccer match at night as the Golden Grizzlies defeated No. 19 Michigan State in an exhibition. The very next night, the Oakland women's soccer team faced Kentucky in the regular-season opener at the OU Soccer Field under the lights. A capital campaign that started several years ago, finally came to fruition with prime-time intercollegiate soccer.

"So many people worked very hard to make this happen," said Director of Athletics Tracy Huth. "It was an exciting atmosphere for the first two games and that is what the administration was hoping for."

None of this would have been possible without the help of donors and friends of the university. But even that does not put the lights up or dig the footholds for the lights. That is where Roy Rewold comes in to the picture. Frank Rewold and Son, Inc. were hired to complete this soccer lighting project, and have been a part of constructing the Oakland University campus for years.

"We have a longstanding relationship with Oakland University," said Rewold Jr. "My father, Frank Rewold began working for Matilda Dodge Wilson out of an office at Meadow Brook Farms in 1930."

Frank Rewold constructed all of the Meadow Brook buildings, the riding stables and Belgium horse stables which are still in use today. Frank Rewold Sr. left his mark on the Oakland campus and built a very strong relationship with the `mother' of Oakland University, Matilda Dodge Wilson.

"My father started his construction company out of his home in 1918, building houses and farm buildings," said Roy Rewold. "We have been able to maintain that wonderful working relationship with Oakland University throughout the years."

Frank Rewold and Son, Inc. went on to build Vandenburg Hall in the early 1960s and assisted with the construction of the R&S Sharf Golf Course which was built in 2000.

"We have always had a wonderful relationship with the OU Golf and Learning Center," said Roy Rewold. "We have contributed to the R&S Sharf Golf Course and the first hole has been dedicated to Frank Rewold and Son, Inc."

Now the OU Soccer Field has lights and fans can enjoy Oakland soccer in prime time. For such a top priority project, Huth knew that Frank Rewold and Son, Inc. were the ones for the job.

"They have proven through previous projects around campus that they carry the Oakland University standard for work and dedication," said Huth. "Frank has done a tremendous job and we look forward to completing the rest of the project."

The soccer lighting project will continue throughout the fall. A ticket booth, press box area, and stadium seating are on the horizon. Through the soccer field lighting project and others like it, Rewold and Sons, Inc. continue to leave an indelible mark on the OU campus.

-OAKLAND-