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BEHREND TO DEDICATE ATHLETICS AND RECREATION CENTER
Penn State Erie, The Behrend College, will dedicate its new $10.2
million Athletics and Recreation Center (ARC) on Thursday, November 9,
at 3:00 p.m. Among the guests on hand will be Penn State President
Graham Spanier, Penn State Board of Trustees Chair Edward P. "Ted"
Junker, and Penn State Behrend Council of Fellows Chair P.C. "Hoop"
Roche.
"This facility symbolizes three decades of dreams and determination,"
said Penn State Behrend Provost and Dean John M. Lilley. "With this
building we nearly triple Behrend's indoor recreation space and provide
great new opportunities for our student-athletes to participate in a
growing program. The ARC, along with the success of our student-athletes
in Division III competition, has helped to create a new spirit of
enthusiasm on campus."
The 72,800-square-foot ARC, which replaces Erie Hall, will feature three
all-purpose courts and performance gym seating 1,600, an eight-lane
swimming pool, a weight room, a three-lane running track, jumping pits,
an aerobics room, locker rooms, offices, and a variety of exercise
equipment. Erie Hall, with one basketball court and seating for 550,
will continue to be used as a recreation facility offering activities
such as ballroom dancing, badminton, and yoga.
"Students will now be able to work out year-round by swimming, using a
treadmill, or playing pick-up basketball," notes Athletics Director
Brian Streeter. Streeter, who joined Penn State Behrend in 1997, has
built upon the success of his predecessors, Roger Sweeting and Herb
Lauffer, to expand athletic offerings. Five years ago the college
fielded 10 varsity teams; this year the Behrend Lions are competing in
21 varsity sports. Intramural and club sports have expanded, and 65
percent of Penn State Behrend students now participate in those
activities.
The ARC dedication will include a message from the president of Penn
State Behrend's student government, performances by the dance team, the
cheerleaders, the Pep Band, and, of course, an appearance by the Behrend
Lion.
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Contact: Loretta Brandon
(814) 898-6063 (O)
(814) 864-9922 (H)
e-mail: lzb6@psu.edu