On Jan. 10, the Virginia Athletics Program received a $1.5 million contribution from an anonymous donor which will be used to implement much needed enhancements for the University's wrestling and volleyball programs.
Memorial Gymnasium and Onesty Hall, the wrestling team's practice facility, will receive thorough makeovers, including fresh paint, new floors and updated equipment.
"This gift is unique because it benefits two sports and the University community," said Dirk Katstra, executive director of the Virginia Athletics Foundation.
Director of Athletics Craig Littlepage said that the project already has begun.
"The planning for the renovations is already underway," Littlepage said. "I expect the work to be completed at the start of the fall."
Athletics officials explained that modifications to the interior look and common areas of Memorial Gym will attempt to restore the gymnasium to its original splendor. For 42 seasons, before University Hall opened in 1965, Memorial Gym was the home of the University's basketball program. Officials say the renovations will add life to the historic building and draw additional support and participation from the community.
Currently, Memorial Gym is the main site of the University's intramural sports programs. With the upcoming makeover, the gym also will serve as the fulltime home of the wrestling and volleyball teams.
Littlepage said that this change will positively affect the IM program without compromising student access.
Renovations will "enhance the venue, but not limit access to the gym by students and intramural teams," Littlepage said.
Wrestling coach Lenny Bernstein said he is very excited about this gift and is grateful that the anonymous donor chose to give all of the money up front, which he said displays much confidence in the University's athletic programs.
"The gift will help us a lot -- the guys that are currently here are very excited about it," Bernstein said. "With better facilities and more scholarship money now available, we will be able to attract much better athletes."
Bernstein also explained that this gift is encouraging to the wrestling program.
"Recruits, athletes and coaches see that there is commitment from the athletic program to the wrestling team," Bernstein said.
Katstra explained that this donation is part of recent trend towards supporting the less prominent "Olympic" sports. He also noted that, while many gifts target specific aspects of a single sport, this donation is all encompassing.
"This gift, unlike most, touches on all three areas that [athletics] focuses on," Katstra said. "Scholarship, facilities and operational costs."
Recent notable contributions to the Virginia Athletics program provided significant amounts of money to build the new basketball arena and to carry out construction on the football field.
This $1.5 million gift marks a huge milestone and victory for the volleyball program, which, like the wrestling program, has struggled over the years to receive the support and benefits that other Varsity sports enjoy, according to the wrestling and volleyball staff.
Volleyball coach Melissa Shelton said in a press release that the volleyball team is thrilled to have its home arena at Memorial Gym and to fill it with enthusiastic fans once again.
Littlepage said he is tremendously appreciative of this generous contribution which supports the Olympic sports.
"This is a win-win for the University community in an era of tight dollars," he said.
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