Bucknell University Athletics
Bucknell Dedicates New Pool and Fitness Center
11/27/2002 7:00:00 AM | General
Nov. 27, 2002
LEWISBURG, Pa. - Bucknell University's new Recreation and Athletics Center has taken another major step toward completion.
Over the weekend, two major areas of the $32 million complex were officially dedicated - the Arthur D. Kinney Jr. Natatorium and the Krebs Family Fitness Center.
"Since arriving as director of athletics and recreation three short years ago," said John Hardt, "it has been our goal to build on the strong foundation and successful traditions of Bucknell and to ensure that today's and future students will be provided with the support and opportunities to continue to achieve such tremendous levels of success. This state-of-the-art natatorium and fitness center represents huge steps in accomplishing that goal."
"This great facility is not just for varsity athletes, but every student at Bucknell," said Art Kinney, from Lake Barrington Shores, Ill. "The students absolutely love the fitness center and I am awestruck at the magnificence of this pool. I believe the impact of the entire center will go far beyond our dreams. It will be of great value to Bucknell."
The Kinney Natatorium features a 50-meter-by-25-yard Olympic-class pool with two movable bulkheads that allow varsity water polo, swimming and diving workouts, along with recreational swimming, to occur simultaneously. In its first month of operation, it has already been the site of three varsity swimming and diving meets. The natatorium also includes seating for 500 spectators, locker rooms, coaching offices, sauna, and steam room.
Kinney, a graduate with the Class of 1956, has been a member of Bucknell's Board of Trustees since 1985. The natatorium was named for him at the request of lead donors Kenneth G. Langone, Class of 1957, and his wife, Elaine.
"I am still overwhelmed by the kindness and generosity of Ken and Elaine," said Kinney. "They are truly interested in the students."
Having been open since early October, the Krebs Family Fitness Center features more than 15,000 square feet with strength and fitness equipment, plus a nutrition caf?.
"The Krebs Family Fitness Center has been open for seven weeks and the students have packed it with activity morning, noon and night," said Steffen H. Rogers, Bucknell president. "It keeps their bodies healthy and their minds fresh - and that is essential to the educational process."
Robert and Anne Krebs, from Lake Forest, Ill., are the parents of two Bucknell graduates - Robert '96 and Duncan '01.
The Sojka Pavilion, Bucknell's new 4,000-seat athletic arena, will be dedicated on Jan. 15, 2003, when the Bison face Lehigh in basketball. The pavilion is named for biology professor and former president Gary A. Sojka. The Bison men's and women's basketball squads are beginning their seasons in Davis Gym.
Sponsoring 26 intercollegiate sports at the Division I level, Bucknell is a charter member of the Patriot League and has won the league's all-sports championship trophy in nine of the 12 years it has been contested, including the last five. Bucknell ranks annually among the top 10 Division I institutions in student-athlete graduation rate, and ranks third in Division I in producing Academic All-Americans.
