HC Staff reflects on gym renovation

Al Prewitt gymnasium had a major facelift complete in November, and it’s quite an upgrade. The gym was given brand new bleachers for the first time since its opening in 1970, along with a redesigned court with a lighter, more vibrant hue. Despite the project finishing two months behind schedule, associate principal Brady Thornton, who oversees building maintenance and grounds, was very impressed with how the project turned out visually.

“I think it turned out well,” Thornton said. “I think there are a couple spots that we’ve got some issues that have developed that we’re going to have looked at, but overall, it looks 100 times better than what we had,” Thornton continued. “The bleachers have made a huge difference in how the gym works and I’ve been satisfied.”

The project experienced several hiccups, most notably a long delay, and a few issues with the wood’s integrity.

“There are a few spots where some wood has become fragile, so we don’t know if something is eating away at it or if something has gotten on it, but they’ll require some touch-ups in the summer,” Thornton said. “[The delay] was a little nerve-racking because it was a lack of communication on some parts, but we got it in just in the nick of time and they [contractors] worked a little overtime to get it done.”

Many different athletic teams use the gym on a regular basis, including boys and girls basketball, wrestling, and cheerleading. The volleyball team faced severl issues, forcing them to play in a gym lacking seast their entire regular season, but the upgrades are in place for winter sports.

Basketball coach Daniel Brown was very pleased by the renovations that were carried out.

“I think adding the new stuff to the gym has made it more updated, a lot more accessible, and gives us a sense of pride,” Brown said.

Brown offered an interesting point when it came to the new gym, discussing how it signifies something greater- a new era for HC sports.

“The old gym had a lot of tradition, a lot of games won, and a lot of good things happen,” Brown said. “You lose that with the new gym, but the new gym makes you feel pride, and we’re excited about it.”

However, with the renovation, many new concerns arise. It has left many people wondering what project needs to go underway next. Brown believes capacity is an issue, and that maybe a new expansion plan could do wonders.

“I’d like to see two gyms,” Brown said. “Hopefully in the next five or six years we can see something get added on with all the different sports, but as far as the first gym, now it’s just the upkeep and keeping it looking nice.”

Thornton was sure to put out the flames of possible projects for the near future, as the gym renovation racked up quite a tab.

“As of right now we don’t have anything planned,” Thornton said. “We’re going to stick with what we’ve got right now and hopefully have no new projects coming up.”