Huntington University celebrates opening of athletic complex expansion
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Huntington University student-athletes and the community now have access to a new, upgraded facility.
The Thwaits Athletic Center, which is part of the overall campus athletic campus, is named in honor of Ryan and Amy Thwaits, who gave a $2 million lead gift towards the project. It features a full-size wood floor community gym for intramurals and team practices as well as a fitness center for all students.
“People who came before me invested in Huntington so that I could have a fantastic college experience and athletic opportunities,” Ryan said at the time of making the gift. “Now it’s my turn to do the same for the next generation of Foresters. I want them to have success at the highest level, and this is my way of making that happen.”
Huntington University says the total cost of the project, which also included adding restroom space, a team apparel shop, full concession and refreshment area and the HU athletic Hall of Fame displays, was just under $19 million.
Food provider Sodexo has a kitchen and serving area connected to the auxiliary gym, and there are plans to use the space for large community events such as dinners.
The Thwaits Athletic Center also consolidated offices for faculty and coaches that were previously spread out across campus.
