WESTERVILLE, Ohio – Otterbein University Athletics is excited to announce the renovation of the Rike Center weight room, taking place this summer. The weight room will be fully completed and operational for when Cardinals return to campus this August.
The upgraded facility features more than $160,000 in new equipment and enhancements designed to elevate strength and conditioning opportunities for Cardinal athletic programs. The renovation includes custom-branded equipment from Rogue Fitness, one of the nation's premier strength and conditioning manufacturers, based out of Columbus.
"The new weight equipment is more than an upgrade to our facility – it shows commitment towards helping our programs and student-athletes achieve excellence," said head football coach, Dave Marquis. "It gives our players the tools to train at a higher level, compete with confidence, and build the physical and mental edge needed to succeed on and off the field."
Among the additions are custom Rogue Monster Rack stations, Olympic lifting platforms, functional trainer systems, adjustable benches, specialty squat bars, bumper plates, kettlebells, dumbbells, medicine balls, plyoboxes, TRX systems, and expanded storage.
"Getting the new weight room is very exciting. It allows the wrestling teams to train wrestling specific exercises as well as other teams to utilize equipment for their own needs," said rising junior, Luke Dolan. "Plus, with the equipment all being Rogue, you know it's going to be good – your compound movements will feel smoother, you'll have more options, and it just looks cleaner with the Cardy branded details."
"A new weight room is more than new equipment. It is a symbol of growth and the future of the Otterbein women's basketball program, and Otterbein as a whole," added rising senior,
Anna Waskiewicz. "It will be a place where teammates can push each other to be better and where hard work will turn into success. Watching our program and the people in it grow together, is what makes investments like this mean so much more."
The project was made possible through a lead gift from alumni Dave '68 and Cynda Schuler '70 Widder, who wanted to enhance the student-athlete experience at Otterbein and inspire fellow alumni to support Otterbein Athletics.
"Our Otterbein experience and relationships have continued to be a valuable influence throughout the years," added Dave and Cynda Widder. "We are selecting this way to give forward a gift that will enhance the college experience and will promote lifetime health for all students. It is our hope that this gift will impact the well-being of future generations of Cardinal students."
Updates on the progress of the project will be featured on Otterbein Athletics social media once construction begins.
