Trusler Sports Complex

The Trusler Sports Complex was completed in 1992 thanks to the generosity of the Trusler Foundation. Established in 1957 by Harold and Irene Trusler, the Trusler Foundation seeks to improve the quality of life in Emporia and surrounding areas. After great success in the agriculture business, as heads of the Trusler-Cook Grain Company, the Truslers wished to share their good fortune with the community of Emporia. The Trusler Sports Complex is one of the many projects made possible by the Trusler Foundation.

The Hornets home baseball field was renamed Turnbull Field in 2025 in honor of J. Michael Turnbull, former president and trustee of the Trusler Foundation. The name change is in recognition of a $650,000 lead gift from the Turnbull Foundation in support of $1.3 million in improvements to the Hornet baseball facility. The entire playing surface is now artificial, allowing Emporia State to be in the rotation to host the MIAA Post Season Tournament. The baseball field was originally named for Emporia State University President, Dr. Robert E. Glennen, thirteenth president of Emporia State University who held the position from 1985 to 1997.

In addition to Turnbull Field, three other fields are part of the Trusler Sports Complex. Thanks to major gifts from the Bill and Aloha Preston Family Trust, Trusler Foundation, and Emil Babinger Trust the dirt infield of the Softball Field was replaced by an artificial playing surface in 2015. Cannon Field is named in honor of Joe Cannon, a lifelong Emporian who provided the lead gift of land that has become Trusler Sports Complex. Thomas Field is named in honor of Tom D. Thomas, treasurer and trustee of the Trusler Foundation.

Starting in December of 2005, renovations began to improve the Trusler Sports Complex. One of the additions is the Hanna clubhouse overlooking the Baseball and Softball teams’ home fields. Named after major project contributors, Chuck and Doris Hanna, the new Hanna Clubhouse includes a viewing deck for fans as well as new locker rooms, facilities and coaches offices.
* Hanna Clubhouse Features
-V.I.P Viewing Deck
-Coaches Offices
-Players Lounge and Meeting Area
-Player Lockers
-Restroom and Shower Facilities
-Washer/Dryer Facilities
-Team and Facility Storage Area
-Umpire Dressing Room
-Washer/Dryer Facilities

In 2009 artificial turf replaced the dirt infield for baseball. Money for the project was donated by the Trusler Foundation who has been instrumental in the cultivation of the complex since it opened. Baseball and softball both got new scoreboards during the 2009 season thanks to the gift by the Bill and Aloha Preston Family. The two boards are state of the art Daktronics wireless scoreboards that will replace the originals from the complex’s opening in 1994. In December 2009 the Hornets completed their indoor hitting facility.

In 2024 a new covered outdoor batting cage was constructed near the Hannah Clubhouse along with the installation of new state of the art LED lights for both baseball and softball.