The Ohio State University is building a brand new Athletic District.
“I am passionate about college athletics as it provides access to higher education to young women and men with God-given academic and athletic talents, many of whom are first generation. There is perhaps no greater training ground than college athletics for success in life,” said Gene Smith, Senior Vice President & Wolfe Foundation Endowed Athletics Director in a statement.
The addition will house three new facilities: The Covelli Center, The Jennings Wrestling Facility, and the Shumaker Complex.
“To have this opportunity to celebrate the groundbreaking for three facilities that will have significant impact on the young people we serve every single day,” said Smith. “It just makes this moment special and tremendous in so many ways.”
The Covelli Center, which will hold around 3,700 people, will be the new home for university fencing, gymnastics, wrestling, and volleyball.
“This facility will change the entire gameday experience for our volleyball team,” said Pete Hanson, Head Men’s Volleyball Coach. “From the in-venue atmosphere to the technology used in player-development, we will be among the very elite in what we can offer both current and prospective student-athletes.”
The Jennings Wrestling Facility will provide an upgrade for both students and staff. With more high-tech integrations and upgraded equipment, student-athletes will be able to push their limits further.
“When you have a facility to the standard that this one is going to be, it screams value; it screams importance; it screams that when you come here, you are going to be treated in a first-class way,” said Tom Ryan, Head Wrestling Coach.
The final piece to the puzzle is the Shumaker Complex. The facility, which is over 100,000 square feet, will provide a place to train, workout, socialize and rehabilitate. Of course, it isn’t just for current student-athletes, it’s open to former Buckeyes as well.
Included in the Shumaker Complex are:
“The Davis Foundation Sports Nutrition and Dining Center* – complete with professionally-trained nutritionists.
Sports medicine and athletic training center – complete with hydrotherapy pools, injury rehabilitation equipment, and physician offices.
The Gene Smith Strength and Conditioning Center* – complete with all of the latest strength and conditioning equipment and biomechanics equipment.
Classroom space for professional development opportunities for both current and former student-athletes.”
“None of this happens without the amazing Buckeye philanthropy, that is a part of the Ohio State University’s pay-it-forward tradition,” said Alex Fisher, Chair of the Master Planning and Facilities Committee of The Ohio State University, in a video statement. “To all of those who have helped us thank you.”
For more information about the new athletic complex, please visit the Athletics District Groundbreaking website.
