Grant Kilmer
Being a part of a collegiate-level sports team definitely has its advantages. Here at UR, we have access to state-of-the-art equipment and world-class trainers whenever we need them.
These resources are easily accessible to us whether we’re getting a great workout in or getting the necessary treatment to get back on the field. The new dorm building, along with new equipment rooms and sports medicine areas, can only enhance the benefits of being an athlete here.
Placing it behind Fauver stadium will give it a central location that will be crucial to athletes. Being close to the baseball field, football field, and the Goergen Athletic Center will only increase the “athletic” vibe on that part of campus. This will help bring all of the athletes together and give the student athletes a greater sense of community.
Along with this, the new locker rooms will help solidify the idea of what it is like to be a collegiate athlete for prospective student athletes coming to campus. The baseball team has to share its current locker room, so we only get to use it during the spring season.
This will not be the case anymore. We will be getting our own locker rooms. There is an undefined feeling that a locker room gives an athlete, like that of a second home. It is where you can hang with all your teammates. It is where you will have hilarious conversations or moments that you will never forget.
The new dorm building will do much more than serve as a place for people to sleep. It will benefit the University in more ways than can be described by a mere blueprint.
Chris Cook
As a member of the track and cross country teams, this is exciting news. As a senior, this news is a bit annoying.
Either way, a significant number of students use these locker rooms for at least part of the year, so this is an important change that is currently underway on campus.
While I sing praises about getting a new and much-needed space, I also wish that it didn’t have to happen this year. Due to the construction, we will
not be able to host any meets on our home track, and we may not be able to train on our track during the outdoor season. This means no Alumni Invitational and no senior farewell at our final home meet.
I understand that this had to happen to some senior class, but this was also UR’s year to host the conference championship meet. It makes me upset that we will not get to have the experience of trying to win a championship in the senior class’ final season at our beloved home track, in front of a crowd of home fans and friends. Instead, we will have to travel elsewhere and train at RIT.
But this is the most negative of my opinions about the project. It is far overdue and solves several problems in one convenient building.
Things may not be perfect this year, but I am still excited to return as an alumnus and see the space that future teams will use and enjoy.
