BRISTOL, R.I. – The Roger Williams University Athletic Department began construction on a new Wrestling practice room using existing Recreation Center space earlier this month, with the intent to be ready in time for the 2023-24 wrestling season.
The Wrestling room will be built on the second floor of the Campus Recreation Center, replacing the area above the racquetball courts. The existing racquetball courts below will be replaced with additional fitness and stretching space within the Fitness Center. A new ceiling and flooring surface will create a second level to build out the 2,700-square-foot space and equip it with wall-to-wall mats. The facility will be used as multipurpose space for camps and conferences during the summer.
"This wrestling room will be transformative for our wrestling program," said Director of Athletics, Intramurals, and Recreation Kiki Jacobs. "It will provide our Wrestling team with their own training space and it will make our program more attractive to future student-athletes."
According to John King, Vice President for Student Life, the project was originally vetted with the Board of Trustees in 2017 and has received generous pro bono design contributions from Spencer McCombe '97, founder and principal of Cordsten Design in Newport and former Wrestling team captain. Full project costs are projected at under $900,000 and funded through two cycles of RWU capitol project improvement funds and $250,000 in on-going Wrestling team fundraising. The team is getting closer to reaching that goal and is appreciative of additional gifts. For information about making a gift, visit: https://www.givecampus.com/schools/RogerWilliamsUniversity/rwu-wrestling-practice-center-match-challenge#updates.
"I would like to thank those who have already made a gift to the Wrestling room and to ask others to consider making a donation to help us meet our fundraising goal," Jacobs added. "We are excited to see this project begin and thrilled with all of the support we have seen from alumni and family members of wrestlers who want to help this program grow."
RWU Wrestling team members have earned distinction with eight All-Americans and one National Championship titles, regularly competing against the best in the nation.
"Our student-athletes will now have a dedicated practice space to call home. Seeing these efforts come to fruition is gratifying, but the excitement comes from how this space will enhance their development and preparation as athletes," said Head Wrestling Coach Jon Egan. "Having a first-class training facility will enable us to continue to give our Hawks a first-class experience and support enhanced academic success through more flexible practice time availability."
AD Jacobs further notes that moving Wrestling out of the Field House for practice opens up additional time for student recreation as well as winter indoor conditioning and training for spring varsity sports Track and Field, Women's Softball, Baseball, and Women's and Men's Lacrosse teams and club sports.
Due to the construction, certain areas of the Fitness Center will be closed during the summer.
