15 Mustang Strength Complex Sports a Modern Look
The Mott Athletics Center weight room now features state-of-the-art equipment, thanks to $150,000 in donations from over 20 donors, many of them parents of Cal Poly football players. A view of the old facility is shown in upper right corner.
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uring the summer of 2013, the Mott Athletics Center weight room for Cal Poly Athletics underwent a $150,000 renovation, thanks in large part to philanthropic support from parents of football players in addition to football alumni and area supporters. The 2,500-square-foot facility, under the direction of Cal Poly strength and conditioning director Sara MacKenzie, services over 550 student-athletes, had not been improved since it was originally built in 1998, and has been renamed Mustang Strength Complex. "This gift is one of the most important projects our Athletics Department can receive," said former strength and conditioning director Chris Holder. "The weight room is the only place in our program that sees every student-athlete on a regular basis. We impact the life of every Mustang athlete and, now, we will be doing so in a state-of-the-art facility." The 2013 renovation included new equipment, new platforms, new lighting, a new sound system, repair of the concrete floor, fresh paint and Cal Poly Mustang Branding throughout. "The project was originally proposed by parents of two football players who wanted
to see improvements for today's student athletes," said Ashley Offermann, associate athletics director for development. "Football head coach Tim Walsh was a driving force and approved the funding priority that would benefit all of Cal Poly's athletic programs." In total, there were over 20 donors who gave in excess of $150,000 to complete the project, Offermann added. In the spring of 2013, Walsh and director of athletics Don Oberhelman collaborated on the idea and plans to remodel the facility. "This project is being funded on the backs of our football parents," said Oberhelman. "Coach Walsh jumped on board with this project in the beginning, putting football-specific concerns on hold, knowing what a huge impact this will have for every one of our sports. "Offermann then worked very hard to put a plan in place to reach out to the football parents and a few former football players, and they have responded," Oberhelman added. "When we looked at our needs in football and looked at the needs of the department, Don and myself decided that what is best for both the department and football is to help remodel the weight room," said Walsh. The additions that will be made will make
the facility attractive enough for us with the recruiting process. "Most importantly, it will provide a better atmosphere for Chris to do the things he wants to do with the athletes," Walsh added. "I'd like to thank all the football parents and alumni involved with the funding of the project." Holder feels the project will help fulfill his master plan and provide the tools necessary for carrying off his ideas. "The football parents who so generously donated the funds to make this a reality have given my staff and myself the opportunity to really push the limits of our knowledge and creativity," said Holder. "This project gives their sons, as well as all other student-athletes, male and female, at Cal Poly the best opportunity to develop a physical edge. "Plain and simple, I need the athletes to walk into our space and WANT to train in our facility," Holder added. We have a room, now, that will be a source of pride for our athletes, for our coaches and staff and a place that will be a valuable tool in the recruiting process of future Mustangs. "If you have the right energy in the room, if the gear is updated and purposeful, every Mustang athlete has the opportunity to
