Teammates Partner for Future of Loyola Athletics
In the late 1950s, a pass on the Ramblers' court from Frank Hogan (BS '59, MEd '80) to Al Norville (BS '60) was a familiar sight. "Frank would send the ball my way and I'd shoot it," recalls Norville with a laugh. Today, Hogan and Norville, both members of the Loyola board of trustees, are passing along their enthusiasm for athletics to the next generation of Ramblers. As co-chairs of the newly formed Athletic Leadership Committee, Hogan and Norville are spearheading a campaign to create a new Intercollegiate Athletic Center on the Lake Shore Campus.
"We are working to give shape to Father Garanzini's vision for athletics at Loyola," says Hogan. The campus's master plan calls for a state-of-the-art athletic complex that will add a new dimension to the campus and to athletic programs. The committee's short-term goal is to construct a two-story structure on the east side of the Gentile Center that will replace Alumni Gymnasium.
"Our current facility, where athletes train and study, was built in 1923," says John Planek, director of athletics. "While the gym has served many generations of Loyola athletes well, its useful life has come to an end. Its cramped quarters, antiquated locker rooms, makeshift study areas, and closet-sized office spaces show that the building has outlived its use. Our studentathletes deserve the equipment, resources, and space to practice, study, and train to perform at their best."
"For our students to stay competitive on a national level, and for the University to recruit the caliber of faculty-coaches needed to move our athletic enterprise to the next level of excellence, the building must be replaced," says Norville. "We are really looking forward to having alumni and friends join us as partners on this project," says Norville. "The Intercollegiate Athletic Center will give a tremendous boost to our ability to attract top athletes and coaches. Our glory days are still ahead of us."
The $12 million building would house:
- Improved strength and conditioning center
- Sports medicine facility
- Academic advising center
- Home and away locker rooms
- Athletic department administrative offices
- Hall of Fame room honoring Loyola athletes
For information on adding your support to the Intercollegiate Athletic Center, including a number of naming opportunities, please contact Patrick Ryan at 312.915.7641 or pryan7@luc.edu.