WOW FACTOR not lost on male student-athletes - Winter 2008 Wartburg Magazine - Wartburg College

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WOW FACTOR not lost on male student-athletes

The state-of-the-art Canfield Strength and Conditioning Room, above, offers student-athletes the opportunity to train on- and off-season. The facility on the east edge of the upper concourse of The W, returns weight training to campus. The previous facility was housed off campus.

by Mark Adkins ’90

Brad Schmitt ’08 and Brian Borchers ’08 understand what President Jack R. Ohle means when he says “Wow” about The W.

“It was an amazing sight to see all of our fans right next to the floor at that first Levick Arena game,” said Schmitt, a basketball player from St. Lucas, Iowa. “I had been in the building to watch the opening volleyball weekend, and it was amazing then, too. However, to be playing and walk out on the floor to that scene was awesome.”

Borchers, a wrestler from Holstein, Iowa, agrees. Due to the number of mats on the arena floor during the Dick Walker Invitational, there was only one set of bleachers on the floor. However, it didn’t diminish the impact of fan support, he explained.

“It was still a great feeling to have a full crowd on the one side and people watching from the concourse area,” he said.

Beyond the pluses competition-wise, the two student-athletes also enjoy the practice benefits.

“I’m looking forward to seeing what the indoor track offers our program,” said Schmitt, who also runs track for head coach Marcus Newsom’s program. “It’ll be nice to have our own area again—a little like the former Physical Education Center Field House but a lot bigger. It was cold at times working out for the indoor and outdoor seasons on the outdoor track.”

Borchers said the Dick Walker Wrestling Room is “tremendous.” “Our temporary area in Players Theatre was pretty chilly at times and cramped,” he explained. “Now, I’ve got the space to be able to work out and do my moves in practice like I need to. It’s also been great physically for my knees with the mats we’re using in our new room. The whole setup is a positive.”

There are also other areas of The W that make Borchers and Schmitt smile.

“That Hall of Fame room is pretty cool,” Borchers said. “I’m glad (Wartburg) decided to put part of the old floor from Knights Gymnasium in the new building. It helps connect the two places.”

Schmitt looks forward to using the new Schuldt Natatorium. “I love swimming,” he said. “It’s a great workout in and out of season, and it’s just fun.”

Adkins is sports information director.