ULV pumps up Hanawalt Center renovations
Campus Times
May 7, 1999
Sophomore Katie Zwissler works her arms in the Hanawalt Fitness Center.
The Athletic Department in currently seeking funds to reconstruct and supply
new equipment for the Center.
To satisfy the needs of the University of La Verne community, the Athletic
Department is attempting to raise $50,000 to fund a proposed upgrade of
the Hanawalt Fitness Center.
"I think that the facilities we currently have," said Athletic
Director Jim Paschal, "is not appropriate for our own student body
at the present time."
The Hanawalt Center houses several out-of-date machines that have been
there since the center was dedicated to Dwight Hanawalt on May 24, 1986
and, according to Assistant football coach Mark Potocki, is tailored more
toward athletes.
"We're limited in what we can do," said Paschal of the Hanawalt
Center's current state. "There'll be a lot more things that one can
work on out there."
According to a press release from Paschal, the project was initiated
in order to keep La Verne on pace with its competitors, and make it more
attractive to potential student athletes and meet the needs of 20 intercollegiate
teams, Movement and Sports Science classes, the general student body, faculty
and staff.
"It is the largest need for our athletic department," said
University Relations Assistant Director of Planned Giving Don Flora, adding
that ULV recently put in place a new track and new gym floor. "I think
it's one of the top four or five things that the student body ... needs."
Of the current Hanawalt Center, Flora said "It doesn't encourage
you to come in. The new stuff will be ... really fresh. I think it'll help
and augment all of our off-season weight training for the athletic department."
What began as a minor renovation has become an intensive, detailed project.
The total estimated cost of the project is $46,000 and a total of approximately
$15,000 has already been raised, with funds coming from ULV staff and the
La Verne Athletic Associates (LVAA).
The purchase of new equipment, which will be provided by Execufit, makes
up a majority of the estimated cost of the proposal, which calls for an
addition of 1,100 square feet to the south side of the Hanawalt Center.
The new power-lifting room, which will be weather-proof, enclosed by
fencing, windscreen and an aluminum corrugated roof, will be placed on the
existing concrete foundation.
"I think it's just a natural addition for us," Paschal said,
adding that the money required for the project was a "reasonable amount,"
and that the project should be completed by Aug. 15.
"That would coincide with the new school year, rather than doing
it in the middle of the year like the Spot, which hasn't been completed
yet," he said.
Through the efforts of Flora and Alumni Relations Director Lura Poggi,
University Relations has undertaken the task of organizing fund raising
duties.
"It's a pretty large effort," Paschal said in regards to the
collective efforts. "We're contacting all athletes that we can find
phone numbers and addresses for."
University Relations representatives will contact former athletes, faculty,
staff and LVAA through the mail for donations.
"It's a great way to tell out past athletes that we're making steps
to meet the new millennium in the right way," said Flora.
