做厙輦⑹

by Matt Getty

The Durden Athletic Training Center opened to rave reviews this spring as Red Devils began using its more than 22,000 square feet of strength-training, locker, sports-medicine, meeting and event space. With dedicated locker rooms for field hockey, football, and men���s and women���s lacrosse, the new building���named in honor of William G. ���71 and Elke Durden���takes a huge step forward from the 1960s-era facilities previously used at Biddle Field.

���The combination of the weight room and sports-medicine facilities allows the trainers to create a cohesive rehab program that would not have been possible at the old Biddle building,��� says Brett Whelan ���14, women���s lacrosse team captain. ���The equipment is not only of a better quality, but it is more varied in purpose and plays a huge role in getting athletes back on the field faster.���

Rehabilitation tools include therapeutic whirlpools, Intelect electrical modality machines that increase circulation to aid in recovery and Game Ready cold-therapy compression systems to accelerate healing. Add to that Elite Hammer Strength racks and other resources for building explosive power as well as flat-screen monitors for film study in each of the locker rooms, and the facility provides everything student-athletes need under one roof.

���The weight room is a huge upgrade from what we used to have,��� says Cole Ahnell ���15, football team captain. ���The locker rooms also have a lot more gathering space, which gives them a more communal feel.��沉 can���t wait to move in for the upcoming season.���

Built thanks to a $6-million leadership gift from Sam Rose ���58 and Julie Walters as well as gifts from roughly 130 alumni, parents and friends, the Durden Center also commemorates Dickinson���s 1958 national-championship lacrosse team, on which Rose played. A permanent exhibition honoring the team was installed in early April and was on display for the building���s April 12 dedication.

���This is about more than a new building and upgraded facilities,��� says Les Poolman, director of athletics. ���When we celebrate the Durden Center, we���re celebrating the foundation of the future of Dickinson athletics. We���re celebrating Dickinson���s commitment to future Dickinsonians, student-athletes, coaches and alumni.���

Learn more about the Durden Center Dedication and Red & White Day.

Read more from the spring 2014 issue of Dickinson Magazine.

Published April 22, 2014