Facility opens

With enough students, athletes and coaches present to host a mini-version of the Olympic Games, the new weight training and conditioning facility for athletes was introduced in a ribbon-cutting ceremony Thursday.

Renovations for the field house near Cox Stadium officially began five weeks ago. According to Athletic Director Betsy Alden, the renovations were primarily financed by intense fund-raising and football equipment sales.

"This is the only facility of its kind in the Northern California Athletic Conference," said Alden. "It's the first conditioning center just for student-athletes in the NCAC."

The facility consists of a weight room, a training room and an area for cardiovascular workouts. The new strength and conditioning coach for the center is Jeff Pond. Pond, also the throws coach for the track and field team, plans to make an impact on the athletes.

"I'll be working with the coaches and making their athletes better athletes," said Pond. "Having them jump higher, throw farther, run faster."

Many coaches and athletes think the new facility will be beneficial. Some student-athletes said it is convenient for athletes who practice outside of the gym building because if they have injuries, the training room is nearby.

"I'm excited about the facility because it benefits all athletes, and it's close to the center of everyone's practice," said track sprinter Stephanie Thomas.

Although athletes have barely gotten their feet wet in the facility, Alden says more quality equipment will adorn the center to expand conditioning opportunities for all student-athletes.

"I want the student-athletes just to know how special they are to me and to the university. That's the bottom line as far as I'm concerned," said Alden. "They're an elite group of athletes and I'm extremely proud of all of them."

The new facility is open for student-athletes from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday-Thursday and Fridays 11 a.m. to 6 p.m..

[ Golden Gater Online October 31, 1995 ]

[ back to top ]