Yesterday I got a tour and watched a bit of the workout that was going on--I hadn't been to the place yet-- combination of busy, schedule conflicts, and I knew the staff was focused on Spencer Oly prep. I have read most of the criticism and thought it was malarky but wanted to get my eyes on it-- Some thoughts.
1. The place is locked down tighter than Ft Knox--keycard access to get in, then most areas have face scanners--- unfortunately gone are the days to walk in and say hi--or drop in for a practice. This was the university's decision- and for safety . Appt only to get in.
2. Lots of finishing touches still to go, trophy wall, pictures, mirrors, and so forth-- still a bit of a work in progress.
3. Coaches/Staff offices are incredible-- much more room, modern, functional --really nice. Tom's office has a comfortable "deck" that overlooks the room.
4. The wrestling room and that part of the facility is better than I imagined-- when the term world-class gets thrown around it is not an exaggeration--weight room, lockers, cold plunge, and trainers area are stunning. As far as the room there is a huge difference, no columns, and plenty of space for guys/gals to wrestle without falling into others or obstacles. The wrestling mats, overall feel good and look even better.
5. Tunnel- I got to walk the tunnel-- is its a bit surreal, the lighting, the shape, 56' underground, and all of a sudden you open the door and are in Carver! Here is an interesting tidbit. Our team bench will now be where the opposing team was and the opposing team will be where our bench was. So our team and coaches will be closest to the new tunnel. This will take some getting used to!
When I was on the HWC board and served as President-- This facility was a bit of a dream. It was hard to imagine raising 30 million dollars plus so it could become a reality--, but Tom/Terry and the staff never thought it was a dream. They thought it was just a matter of time to get the funds raised and get it built. Now it is a reality and something we all should be proud of. On the outside--it stands out.
There are a LOT of people that are connected to this forum that donated hard-earned money, and networked to help raise even more money -- THANK YOU.! Thank you very much. The Iowa Wrestling facility is stunning!
Love where the Gable statue is now located--again, might take a bit to get used to--but it "fits"
Saw Warner wrestling with Kueter-- Tom and a few others leave with him to go to Spain early next week. Ben is a big dude--very lean.
Go Hawks!
1. The place is locked down tighter than Ft Knox--keycard access to get in, then most areas have face scanners--- unfortunately gone are the days to walk in and say hi--or drop in for a practice. This was the university's decision- and for safety . Appt only to get in.
2. Lots of finishing touches still to go, trophy wall, pictures, mirrors, and so forth-- still a bit of a work in progress.
3. Coaches/Staff offices are incredible-- much more room, modern, functional --really nice. Tom's office has a comfortable "deck" that overlooks the room.
4. The wrestling room and that part of the facility is better than I imagined-- when the term world-class gets thrown around it is not an exaggeration--weight room, lockers, cold plunge, and trainers area are stunning. As far as the room there is a huge difference, no columns, and plenty of space for guys/gals to wrestle without falling into others or obstacles. The wrestling mats, overall feel good and look even better.
5. Tunnel- I got to walk the tunnel-- is its a bit surreal, the lighting, the shape, 56' underground, and all of a sudden you open the door and are in Carver! Here is an interesting tidbit. Our team bench will now be where the opposing team was and the opposing team will be where our bench was. So our team and coaches will be closest to the new tunnel. This will take some getting used to!
When I was on the HWC board and served as President-- This facility was a bit of a dream. It was hard to imagine raising 30 million dollars plus so it could become a reality--, but Tom/Terry and the staff never thought it was a dream. They thought it was just a matter of time to get the funds raised and get it built. Now it is a reality and something we all should be proud of. On the outside--it stands out.
There are a LOT of people that are connected to this forum that donated hard-earned money, and networked to help raise even more money -- THANK YOU.! Thank you very much. The Iowa Wrestling facility is stunning!
Love where the Gable statue is now located--again, might take a bit to get used to--but it "fits"
Saw Warner wrestling with Kueter-- Tom and a few others leave with him to go to Spain early next week. Ben is a big dude--very lean.
Go Hawks!
