EXTRA EXPANSIONS
Many athletic facilities to undergo major renovations, completed by fall of 2022
T
his summer, Stevenson will begin a renovation project of multiple athletic facilities. Expected to be completed in 2022, this renovation will include the expansion of the Field House, the renovation of the track and the relocation of the Athletic Office. This construction marks the first renovation these facilities will undergo since they were built in 1995. Athletic Director Trish Betthauser believes these renovations are what the school’s growing population needs. “We’re finding that with over 4,000 students, we need new spaces in the physical education department to create better learning and practice environments,” Betthauser said. Given the wide variety of Stevenson’s sports, there is not always enough space for each sport to practice. The school wants to make it easier for multiple sports to have useful practices at the same time. Coaches and players of sports like track are looking forward to these renovations. Head Track Coach Emma Degen believes her sport will benefit from this addition. “For most of our workouts, the amount of rest time athletes get between reps is very important and specific,” Degen said. “So having
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February 2020 - Sports
more space will help make sure those rest times are met.” Many Stevenson athletes are excited about the improvement of athletic facilities, including junior varsity basketball player Ashley Madeyski ’22. She is looking forward to adding two more basketball courts in the Field House, adding two more courts. “We have many basketball teams, so it’s hard for each team to get court space,” Madeyski said. “But if new courts are added, basketball practices will become even more beneficial and we can get the most out of each practice.” The renovations will benefit not only co-curricular sports, but also students and teachers in the physical education department. Gym classes will have space as a training center will be added to the East Building, the Athletic Office will be
relocated and a fitness center will be constructed. Despite benefits expressed by students and staff, there are also a few concerns about the renovations. It will likely be harder for some sports to practice until after the renovations are completed. “My only concern about the renovation is the lack of space we will have for indoor practices during the construction,” Degen said. However, for most in the Stevenson community, the positives outweigh possible hindrances. After the renovation is over, students, teachers and coaches will benefit. “I am looking forward to being able to run more efficient practices and hosting very high quality meets,” Degen said.
WRITTEN BY: NATALIE KING DESIGNED BY: CHRISTIE LEE
