Although still a year in the making, students are getting pumped up for a new workout facility to be added to their campus.
Elkhart High School is implementing a new training facility on the Main Campus grounds. The groundbreaking of the Health and Strength Center was previously celebrated on Nov 26. The 18,000 square foot facility will give students access to top of the line exercise equipment for weight lifting, cardio, and yoga.
Included will be indoor and outdoor turf training areas. The new building will also host different types of gym classes, as well as ones on nutrition and mental health. While the facility will primarily be used by high school students, all Elkhart athletic programs will be able to utilize the new center. Athletic Director Brian Buckley states, “The gymnasiums and fieldhouses are all very busy with all of our varsity sports and with our PE classes.” He continues, “This will be a fully operational weight strength, cardio and training center. It will have a team room, a refueling center, and staff that are certified in AT and Strength training.”
Moreover, faculty members will have the opportunity to utilize the center to their needs as much as students can. There are high hopes for what the newly introduced center will become. Tennis Coach Mr. Michael Pawlak notes, “The new facility will be top notch. It will be a total upgrade compared to our weight room; there will be machines and turf for running practice, football, and other purposes.” He enthusiastically adds, “I will be using the new facility during my prep period when construction concludes!” The new center is expected to be completed by December 2025.
Student athletes have noted that they will take full advantage of this new facility, whether they are working on weight training or just getting ready for the next season of their sport. Junior Laney Becraft says, “I definitely plan on using it, probably for things like weight lifting and stretching after practice or in the off season.”
Noting the condition of some of the current equipment, Becraft is excited that the new facility will contain nicer equipment. She also believes that the Health and Strength Center will benefit students’ mental health as much as their physical health. Junior Madyson Harris agrees, also noting that she will take in all the benefits of the facility, pointing out that it will be closer than going to the Freshman Division for weight training.
Athletes and other students will benefit from this facility—mentally and physically—and are encouraged to attend classes and athletic programs in the future.
