Floor lifted at LSSU gym

NEWS RELEASE

LAKE SUPERIOR STATE UNIVERSITY

************************ SAULT STE. MARIE, Mich. - Lake Superior State University's Physical Plant crew recently took up the portable wood floor in the James Norris Center for the last time in preparation for a new permanent floor.

Installation of the new floor is scheduled to begin in May.

A capital campaign to raise funds for the $300,000 project is only $10,000 shy of the goal that will see a new wooden floor installed from wall-to-wall in the Bud Cooper Gymnasium.

“We are looking for another $10,000 to complete the campaign,” said Kris Dunbar, LSSU athletic director.“We're all very excited with the response so far and are just a short way from being able to complete this project."

Originally built with composite flooring, which was the accepted standard at the time, a refurbished portable hardwood floor was purchased and installed in 1999 through the generosity of alumni, friends, fans and the community.

The estimated life of the floor was seven years; LSSU was able to use it for 14 years.

While the portable floor was a welcome addition to the Norris Center, it had some limitations.

"Normal wear and tear and the age of the floor make continued use a major challenge," Dunbar said. "In addition, ‘dead spots’ developed that can detrimentally affect play."

"Not only will a new floor make it safer for athletes, it will allow us to make greater use of the facility," said Mark Engle, head volleyball coach. "Laker volleyball runs three tournaments that can't be set up in the gym right now because of the gym’s limitations. A new floor will solve that problem and will be a great benefit for our students, student-athletes, and the community."

For more information about the Cooper Gymnasium Floor Campaign, or to pledge funds for the project, contact Tom Coates, assistant athletic director, at 906-635-6670, [email protected], or visit the campaign website at Cooper Gym Floor.

LSSU photo by Jennifer Crawford

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