New playing surface at LSSU closer to reality

NEWS RELEASE

LAKE SUPERIOR STATE UNIVERSITY

************************* SAULT STE. MARIE, Mich. - Thanks to the support of generous donors like Dr. Tom and Harriette Robinson, Lake Superior State University's "Home Court Advantage" campaign is nearing its goal.

The Robinsons have been long-time supporters of Laker athletics and contributed $10,000 toward the campaign to purchase a new wall-to-wall wood floor for Bud Cooper Gymnasium.

The LSSU Foundation and Department of Athletics embarked on the ambitious fund-raising drive last spring and plan to have the new floor installed for the 2007-08 fall season.

"I always liked basketball and got more interested in hockey when I got back to the Sault," said Robinson, who attended Albion and Michigan.

"I'm back into basketball.

"I remember when I was in elementary school, fifth or sixth grade at Washington School, and Don Roe ('53) was the center for the Soo Tech Hornets."

Robinson grew up a block from LSSU and remembers watching Frank Fazi ('53), Bill Kallio ('54) and Roe.

"They used to score up in the 100s," he said.

"I got back into basketball during the last five or six years.

"Bob Arfstrom has always been real involved and got me to go.

"I watched the Lakers at the Disney Classic in Florida. "That's when I first started to get back into it."

"Home Court Advantage" will benefit not only LSSU basketball, but Laker volleyball and a Sault Ste. Marie community that makes use of the Norris Center facility in a variety of ways.

LSSU teams currently play on a refurbished portable wood floor, which has exceeded its life span.

The goal of the fund-raising committee, which includes current and former LSSU coaches and athletes, is to provide a top-notch facility that enables Laker athletes to continue to compete on a national scale.

To date, more than 50 percent of the funds have been raised.

"I've lived my life in this community and have made my living here," Robinson said.

"I want to give something back. I wish more people out there would give.

"Those of us in the medical community can usually do it, and there is a new group of people out there we've got to work on.

"They are our future. I don't know what kind of community we'd be without the university.

"We'd just be another small town.

"LSSU makes Sault Ste. Marie totally different.

"Most areas would die to have a nice university in their town.

"We don't always appreciate what we have."

To date, the largest percentage of contributions has come from friends of the nniversity such as the Robinsons, followed by LSSU staff, local businesses and alumni.

The "Home Court Advantage" committee is still working to rally support, but is pleased with its progress.

"It is vital that we replace the gym floor by August, and we are so thankful for the support we have received so far," said Kris Dunbar, LSSU's director of athletics.

"LSSU athletics is fortunate to have several very generous friends such like the Robinsons.

"We really need alumni to jump on board.

"Alumni best understand why we need to make improvements like this.

"They have left a great legacy for our current students and student-athletes, but we need their help so the legacy can continue."

For more information on "Home Court Advantage," contact the LSSU Foundation, 906-635-2665 or [email protected]

Information is also available on www.lssu.edu/foundation.

*************************