B R E E Z E WAY
· S P O R T S · F E B R UA R Y 2 0 1 6 Flip that fieldhouse
Renovations of the Dill Family Fieldhouse near completion One of the most noticeable things around BK’s campus this year is the big construction mess going on near the football and baseball fields. Thankfully the “mess” will be over soon, as the newly renovated Dill Family Fieldhouse nears completion. The 18 year old facility is being
BY JACKSON revamped, both inside and out as part of the Championship Drive, a three phase project to improve Bishop Kelley’s athletic facilities. On the 1st level there is a newly renovated locker room, training room, conference room, and coaches offices. A new weight room, along with all new
Fieldhouse weight room. Photo by Jackson Lavarnway
LAVARNWAY equipment, has also added to the improved facility. On the 2nd level, new turf has been laid down, as well as batting and pitching cages. Everyone involved with BK athletics is excited about the new renovations, and Athletic Director Lance Parks is no exception. He
Second level batting cages. Photo by Jackson Lavarnway
expressed high for praise to the new Dill Family Fieldhouse. “It’s a tremendous opportunity for all of our athletic programs to improve, and the new space will benefit all of our athletes for years to come,” Athletic Director Lance Parks said.
Football locker room. Photo by Jackson Lavarnway
Building Excitement
New and improved facilities added for BK Cheer and Wrestling. BY JACKSON LAVARNWAY With all of the excitement surrounding the Dill Family Fieldhouse, many people were less aware of the construction of another athletic facility. The new building, located near the senior parking lot, includes both the John H. Smith Wrestling facility and the Liz Ritchie Cheer facility. The building was dedicated on January 14 by Father O’Brien and is currently undergoing final inspections before being put to use by both the Spirit Squad and wrestling team.
The wrestling facility is equipped with 4 new wrestling mats, customized with the BK logo on each. The new facility is a spacious upgrade for the wrestling team, as well as Coach Livingston who now has his own office inside the facility. The Cheer room features a brand new set of mats, lockers, and mirrors lining one side of the wall. The facility also includes a brand new office for Coach Ritchie, the cheer facility’s namesake. The new facility is truly a
The new mats and lockers at the Liz Ritchie Cheer Facility Photo by Jackson Lavarnway
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game changer for Coach Ritchie and her cheer team. “Previous to having our own practice facility, we organized our practices primarily around other teams schedules. We found ourselves moving cafeteria tables and sweeping or mopping the floors to be able to find a spot when gyms were not available. We did this graciously and were thankful to find any space available, although we would many times not have the benefit of using our mats or be able to work on many
People gather at the dedication of the new cheer and wrestling building. Photo courtesy of David Tackett
of our skills.” Coach Ritchie said. “Our new space is available to us at all times. Our mats are in place, we have a high ceiling, a wall of mirrors, and a sound system to give us the optimal setting for practices. This is such an amazing gift to the future dancers and cheerleaders here at BK.” Thanks to the The Championship Drive renovations, two more athletic programs now have the facilities to complement their extraordinary success.
The newly installed mats inside the John H. Smith Wrestling Facility. Photo by Jackson Lavarnway
THE BREEZEWAY