DixonCenterrevolutionizesteams'trainingprograms .

Athletes are able to take advantage of the Center's numerous amenities, including a pool, basketball courts, and a track, to supplement their practice and workout routines.

by Mary Eileen O'Connor features editor

The new multi-million dollar Dixon Center, which opened in April, will change the way athletes train for their sports this year.

Before the construction of this state-ofthe-art complex, athletes had a much smaller area for weight training in the Founder's Hall Gymnasium. The training room was equipped with only two broken treadmills and one small exercise bike.

Duri,ngthe summer, a small percentage of athletes used the new facility. With the fall season in full swing, most athletes are just beginning to take advantage of the Dixon Center's numerous amenities, including a pool, basketball and squash courts, an indoor track and large fitness center. Personal trainers will be available at all areas to help direct workouts.

''The Dixon Center is definitely improving the way the cross country teams train," cross country coach Tom O'Hora said. According to Athletic Director John Dzik, the pool and indoor track are two feaMes that all athletes will benefit greatly from.

The cross country team is already using the pool for water workouts and the indoor track for drills. In previous years, there were times when the cross country teams needed to go off campus to train.

Dzik pointed out the fitness center is also a great improvement that all athletes will be able to use to their advantage.

With the new facilities at their disposal, coaches can now modify their training programs and tailor the programs to individual athletes.

"If we utilize the facility properly, it will be a tremendous advantage for our teams."

Dzik said "Most importantly, it has brought us up to par with other teams in the league."

Athletes are happy to have a brand new place t? train in.

"Everything is so fresh and new," firstyear basketball player Charles Epps said.

"You have all the facilities you could want. I really enjoy playing here."

Dzik believes Cabrini needed a recreation space that everyone could use and said the Dixon Center will be a great benefit to the entire college community.

With so many athletes using the facility, however, there may be times when sections of the Dixon Center will be closed for practices.

This may potentially cause a conflict for other members of the college community using the facility.

According to Dzik problems like that have not arisen and any problems will be

The Dixon Center is the newest luxury nity. With the top of the line products and facilities, Cabrini Athletes can train easier for the season. handled when and if they arise.

Since the coaches' offices and weight training area are now located in the Dixon Center, Dzik said the vacated Founder's Hall Gym will be used for indoor practice space and interrnural sports. Dzik believes the space will eventually be turned into classrooms.

''The Dixon Center will do a lot of good for current athletes and will help to recruit new athletes to Cabrini," O'Hora said.