Courtesy Photo/Michigan Tech University Kingsford High School graduate Clay Willman, fourth from left, was recognized Saturday for his work on Michigan Tech University’s Sherman Field renovation project.

HOUGHTON — Michigan Tech celebrated the completion of phase one of the Sherman Field renovation project Saturday and Kingsford High School graduate Clay Willman was among those recognized for their efforts.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony took place Saturday at the football home opener against Hillsdale. Fundraising has already begun for phase two and good progress has been made in hopes of beginning the second part of project in April 2019.

A Michigan Tech spokesman expressed appreciation to Willman (class of 1960), Fred Guenther (1975), Todd Hamar (1983) and Alex Kowalski (2001) for “their hard work and corner stone gifts to support the vision of the football stadium project. Guenther, Hamar, Kowalski and Willman are all Michigan Tech graduates who believe in the program and the university as a whole.

“Also, a special thanks to Dr. Glenn Mroz and Tom Kearly for their leadership and vision for this renovation project.”

Willman, inducted into the UP Sports Hall of Fame in 2004, earned 10 letters in football, basketball and baseball at Kingsford. He was a four-year starting quarterback at Michigan Tech, winning the conference championship, setting school records and receiving conference co-MVP and small college All-American honors.

Phase one was completed in August and includes new bleacher seating and accessible parking along with concrete for the VIP pavilion. Phase two includes an expanded press box, coaching boxes, additional bleachers, restrooms and concessions.

Michigan Tech continues to welcome support for phase two of the project.

The Huskies (2-0) kick off the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference portion of the schedule on Saturday when the team hosts Davenport at Sherman Field.