Indiana University Athletics
Soccer, Wrestling Benefit from Locker Room Renovations
7/29/2008 12:00:00 AM | Men's Soccer
July 29, 2008
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. - The Indiana men's and women's soccer teams are set to open preseason camp in less than two weeks, and upon their return the student-athletes will find renovated locker rooms and team lounges at their disposal.
The men's soccer locker room was reconfigured into two separate spaces to include a players' lounge and locker room area. The interior walls were refinished with new paint, new lighting and carpeting were added, and the HVAC system and bathroom area were updated.
"A sincere thanks goes out to former IU great Drew Moor and his parents Gary and Minda Moor for their significant contribution to this project," said head men's soccer coach Mike Freitag. "Generous contributions to the program from former players and friends continue to maintain the 'tradition of excellence' that is Indiana Soccer and keep it among college soccer's elite."
In addition to the structural upgrades, 34 custom-made wood lockers with the IU logo and nameplate were installed. The lounge area was outfitted with new furniture and a 50-inch flat screen TV, and the players and coaches will be greeted by the Indiana seven-star logo on the wall as they enter the lounge.
"The renovations to the locker room are outstanding," Freitag said. "It is more than a locker room. It will become a team room where players will spend time together and grow as a unit. The players really appreciate the team room, especially knowing that one of their own helped make it happen. It will serve future Indiana stars for years to come."
New framed photos of IU's championship teams have been placed throughout the locker room, and all 17 teams that have participated in the NCAA College Cup have a team photo displayed in the locker room.
The women's locker room received similar renovations with the large space converted into a separate locker room and team meeting room. The entire area was repainted and carpeted, and custom-made lockers were also installed. The team room features a big-screen television and custom furniture to provide a comfortable setting for the student-athletes during their down time. The cost for both projects was just over $165,000.
"The women's soccer team room will be the finest in the Big Ten and possibly one of the best in the country as we continue to show we have the best soccer facilities in the Big Ten," said head women's coach Mick Lyon. "Student-athletes will be able to relax both before and after training, review game video, meet with coaches and attend team meetings. The psychological boost as well as the physical help that this team room gives to the program, is huge. Any recruit visiting can see that IU is serious about its soccer."
The Indiana women open the 2008 season on Aug. 22 at Dayton. The men's squad opens its campaign on Aug. 29 against Duke in the adidas/IU Credit Union Classic.
The IU wrestling locker room is also getting a facelift this summer. The entire area is being repainted and the old lockers are being torn out. The installation of brand-new, oak lockers will begin immediately after the painting.
"We're constantly looking to upgrade our athletic facilities when we can," said Associate Athletic Director Jack Garrett. "This is a good opportunity for us to visibly recognize another one of our teams for their accomplishments and overall contributions to the success of IU intercollegiate athletic program."
The Hoosier wrestling program is coming off a 2007-08 season in which they finished 12th at the NCAA Championships, tabbing two All-Americans. Angel Escobedo won the national championship in the 125-pound weight class while Brandon Becker claimed a fourth place finish.
"We are very thankful for the updates that are being made to our locker room facility," said head wrestling coach Duane Goldman. "They are something that we really need and we appreciate the efforts that have been made to help us."
