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. I 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