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The idea for the fieldhouse was first discussed in 2016, as a response to the lack of restroom and locker room facilities at the school’s outdoor athletic fields. The conversation took on greater momentum following the 2017 school shooting, when Logan Cole donated a portion of community-raised funds to the project. The name “Tiger Strong Fieldhouse” was born during that time as a symbol of resilience and community pride. Although plans were set in motion by early 2020, the pandemic forced a delay. Efforts resumed in 2021, and the project is now moving forward with Link Construction. Once complete, the fieldhouse will be a cornerstone of daily life for students, athletes, and community members. It will include indoor restrooms, modern locker rooms, coaches’ offices, a training room, and a full gymnasium. These upgrades will ease long-standing scheduling challenges, especially for youth basketball teams that have had to practice as late as 8 or 9 p.m. The new gym will allow multiple teams to practice at once and reduce reliance on school hallways for activities like track and cheer. The building will also house a ground-floor weight room, replacing the current upstairs space that’s been overcrowded and difficult to access, especially for injured athletes. Coaches and athletic trainers alike say the improvements will allow for safer, more efficient training and treatment. With more room, athletes can complete rehab protocols, return-to-play testing, and injury prevention exercises without being crammed into tight spaces. Cheerleaders, for instance, currently practice in narrow hallways or the cafeteria—conditions that hinder progress and safety. The fieldhouse will provide a proper space for stunts, tumbling, and routine preparation. For cross country and track teams, the facility offers a weatherproof training space and relieves the need to run through school corridors during inclement weather. Even wrestling will benefit, as the current weight room space can be repurposed into a dedicated area for their practices.
Behind the project is years of steadfast community support. Businesses such as ColePak, Parker Trutec, Mary Rutan Hospital, and Bundy Baking Solutions contributed major donations early on. Local small businesses, parents, and residents have also consistently supported fundraisers like the 28 Days of Giveaways Calendar and staffed concession stands at games and community events. Volunteers play an essential role in making the project possible.
To help fund ongoing costs, WLSAA has revived its “Buy a Brick” campaign. Supporters can purchase engraved bricks to be placed in the Fan Zone outside the fieldhouse, honoring families, loved ones, graduates, and local organizations. Bricks can be purchased online at: https://bricksrus.com/donorsite/tigerstrong Students are especially excited. Senior Taran Logwood sees it as a place not only to grow athletically but to create lasting memories. Ava Johnson called it “a next-level opportunity” for athletes and the community. Younger students like Carter Pratt look forward to earlier practice times and a stronger sense of school spirit. The Tiger Strong Fieldhouse stands as a powerful symbol of what can be achieved when a community comes together. It honors the past, answers present needs, and invests in the future—one brick, one athlete, and one dream at a time. Comments are closed.
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