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Weight room renovations bring Eagles up to NCAA Division II facility standards

Athletes and non-athletes will share the fitness center until construction concludes in roughly 90 days.
New renovations to the weight room are underway to meet NCAA Division II facility standards.
New renovations to the weight room are underway to meet NCAA Division II facility standards.
Photo courtesy of Photo by Thecla Li/ THE CHIMES

Biola athletic facilities began a much-anticipated renovation after the commencement ceremonies in December due to Biola’s transition to NCAA DII. The weight room and surrounding coaching offices have since been closed, starting Jan. 13, 2020, limiting student access to fitness center amenities.

WEIGHT ROOM CLOSED

According to Associate Vice President of Facility and Auxiliary Operations Brian Phillips, the construction will fulfill requirements mandated by the NCAA for DII athletic facilities. Division II schools must have training facilities that meet size requirements based on the number of student athletes at the school.  

“We started talking about these projects back in 2017,” Phillips said. “The plan has been geared toward really setting up athletics to be well served as an NCAA school.” 

The gym improvements are part of a larger “campus refresh” initiative which also includes the renovation of Bardwell Hall that began last semester. Board-approved surpluses and university endowments are financing the construction. Phillips estimated the renovations to the weight room will conclude 90 days from the closure on Jan. 13.  

FUTURE CONSTRUCTION 

After the completion of the north wing, renovations will begin on the south wing and will include new square footage near the track, private locker rooms and individual bathrooms. During construction, athletes and non-athletes will be sharing the fitness center.

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Ashley Grams
Ashley Grams, Deputy News Editor
Ashley is a sophomore broadcast journalism major and Spanish minor who dreams of working for ESPN. She loves the Seattle Seahawks, watching “Friends” and telling stories. Hi there! My name is Ashley Grams and I grew up in a small town north of Seattle –– it is so far north that many people resort to saying we live in Canada. Every weekend I watched sports with my dad, especially the Seattle Seahawks. Thursday, Sunday or Monday night, it didn't matter when they were on, my dad and I were glued to the TV. My love of sports started at a young age and translated into my teen years as I found myself following in the footsteps of Erin Andrews and other broadcasters. Sports journalism became my dream and I moved to Biola University, near Los Angeles, to pursue it. As a sophomore broadcast journalism major and Spanish minor, I am excited to continue writing for the Chimes as a sports staff writer. I enjoy the challenge of communicating effectively with a joyful heart, not to mention watching tons of games on campus! Outside of the Chimes you might find me playing intramural sports, watching “Friends” or eating gluten-free food.   
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