Kent State Unveils New Locker Room
9/10/2015 10:39:00 AM | Football
KENT, Ohio- Renovations have been completed on the football locker room and are still on-going to the student-athlete lounge at Kent State University's Dix Stadium. The project, fully funded through private support, cost approximately $950,000 and was completed just in time for when the team returned from training camp in Xenia, Ohio.
"We are very thankful for the generosity of our supporters who helped make this possible and committed to the success of our students," said Director of Athletics Joel Nielsen. "Through their generosity we are able to give our football team a place that they will enjoy and be proud of."
The improvements to the locker room at Dix Stadium include new lockers, which are made of wood, and have individual safes for players to store valuables. Also, each locker has fans and electrical outlets for cell phone chargers and other electrical equipment. The locker room also received new paint, flooring, carpeting and showers. The visiting team locker room and the student-athlete lounge also underwent a facelift.
"Being long-time residents and supporters of the Kent community, the decision for us to support the football locker room project was easy," said donors Scott and Connie Hamilton. "Our student-athletes will benefit from this much needed facility upgrade for years to come and it truly fills our hearts with pride and honor to continue to help others."
"I would like to thank everyone who contributed to this project," said Head Coach Paul Haynes. "It's going to be huge for us. It's a great example of putting the student first. The lounge gives them a different place to relax. This is definitely going to help us in recruiting and it shows that our administration wants to keep up with and invest in the changing landscape of college football."
The locker room was unveiled to the football team when they returned home from their eight-day training camp in Xenia, Ohio.Â
"I was in awe," said senior defensive lineman Nate Terhune. "As I was walking in, my jaw dropped. It's awesome what they've done. I was truly amazed. We're all very thankful. The way it's set up is a lot more efficient. The lockers themselves are a lot bigger and you can put your playbooks up top and the keypads on the locks are awesome."
"It's phenomenal," added junior wide receiver Ernest Calhoun. "I was definitely excited. I came here from an inner city school and I've never had a locker room like that. I'm grateful for it and I'd like to thank everyone that made it possible."
Fans, alumni and friends also have a chance to leave their legacy and be part of the bright future of Kent State football. A gift of $5,000 will put their name on a locker in the brand new facility. For more information call the Golden Flashes Club at (330) 672-7012 or visit www.supportgoldenflashes.com.
