What changes have been made?

Muskingum College football players and coaches returned to some changes this fall. Starting at the end of last year and continuing through the summer months three racquetball courts, two locker rooms, and the fitness space in the recreation center were converted into a new and improved football complex.

The renovations included 150 new lockers, new restrooms and showers, storage facilities, meeting areas, players lounge, as well as a projectors and televisions to watch game films.

According to Jim Stevens, the Vice President for Administration, a ceiling was also installed in the area where the racquetball courts were. This provides a space that can later be used for offices.

In addition, the renovations added day locker spaces in the John Glenn Gym area. These lockers can be used by students during the day and then used by visiting athletic teams during the evenings.

Junior starting quarterback, and one of four captains for this year, Andre Nash, stated that the new facilities are a lot better compared to those before.

"The facilities we have this year do not compare to last year. The facilities are great, the training rooms are super. We now have division one facilities," Nash stated.

The new football complex will be called the Cooper Football Center. The center is named after Muskingum Alum William A. Cooper; class of 1961. Cooper was a fullback and was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame. He went on the play in the NFL for the 49ers. Cooper received several awards such as Little All American, All Conference Team and the Mike Gregory award.

Nash explained that the renovations give the team a positive attitude for the upcoming season.

"We haven't been the greatest team. It makes us excited that people still believe and have expectations in the program,"

The facilities are used for more than just practice times.

"It's great for us to watch films during the day." Nash stated. "The area gives us a chance to be teammates. We don't just go to practice and leave; we have a space to hangout. You want to be in the facilities," Nash added

According to Stevens, the renovations are overdue.

"The last time anything was done for our football program was 1930 facility wise. The training room did not have modern equipment. They were using big tubs of water and now they can treat you with hot or cold water depending on the type of injury."

This football complex is just one addition in a series of changes to the recreation center and John Glenn Gym.

Basketball locker rooms were renovated last fall.