Task Force
Happening Now
Completed
Under Consideration
Fundraising Directives & Naming Opportunities

Task Force
The Knox College Board of Trustees established a campus-wide task force in fall 2004 to evaluate the campus need for, and interest in, a fitness center and to propose other enhancements that could improve or add to existing campus athletic facilities. Appropriately called the Fitness Center and Athletics Initiatives Task Force, the group is comprised of current students, faculty, staff, trustees, alumni, and friends of the College. The task force is chaired by Laurel Andrew '86, a member of the College's Board of Trustees and a director and treasurer of The Andrew Family Foundation of Orland Park, Illinois. Since December 2004, the task force has met on an ongoing basis, held a campus-wide open forum, and reported recommendations to the Board of Trustees. 

The Fitness Center and Athletics Initiatives Task Force identified 11 potential projects. Five are now completed -- a sprinkler system was added to T. Fleming Fieldhouse summer 2005; the E. & L. Andrew Fitness Center opened January 2006; the former weight room was renovated spring and summer 2006, expanding wrestling and athletic training facilities and creating a team meeting/film room; the track at Trevor Field was excavated and rebuilt during summer 2006 with the addition of seven track and field venues; and renovations to the soccer field west of the Knox Bowl were completed summer 2007. Two projects -- renovations of the Knox Bowl and Memorial Gymnasium --  are currently in progress. The completion of four remaining projects are dependent upon alumni interest and fundraising.  

Happening Now
Knox Bowl -- Work begins in March 2008 on a $1.8 million renovation of the Knox Bowl. The project includes a synthetic turf surface, new fencing, gates, and entry area; lowering of the north berm to open the Bowl to campus; addition of handicap parking; new goal posts; and enlarged areas for team benches and athletic training staff and equipment. Once completed, the Bowl will be renamed the Harley Knosher Bowl in honor of Harley Knosher, who served Knox for 40 years (1960-2000) as a faculty member, coach, and athletic director.

A proposed second phase of the project, currently in the fund-raising stage, includes new public restrooms, a concession stand, covered viewing deck, and more spectator seating.

Memorial Gymnasium -- The renovation of Memorial Gymnasium was started on March 3, 2008. The enhancements are designed to retain the integrity of the "historic feel" of Memorial Gym and at the same time improve the facilities for teams and spectators. These enhancements include a new HVAC system; painting the walls one consistent color; replacing the current wood bleachers with new auto-retracting wood bleachers; installing a state-of-the-art sound system; installing acoustical panels to improve sound; scoreboard upgrades; new banners and logo and a new scorer's table with modern hookups.  The lobby outside of the gym will also be renovated with new flooring (rubber to match the E. & L. Andrew Fitness Center lobby); and retrofitting the men's and women's restroom facilities to provide accessibility.

Completed
Fitness Center -- A $2.4 million state-of-the-art fitness center is completed on the west side of Memorial Gymnasium, overlooking Trevor Field. Ground was broken July 6, 2005, and the dedication and ribbon cutting was February 17, 2006.  

T. Fleming Fieldhouse -- A sprinkler system was installed during summer 2005 which allows use of the facility for non-sporting events such as lectures, receptions, and -- in the case of inclement weather -- Commencement. The Fieldhouse was previously unavailable for such events because, without a sprinkler system, it did not meet fire code restrictions. T. Fleming Fieldhouse allows event seating for more than 4,000 people, the largest indoor venue in Galesburg. The Friday night all-alumni Homecoming receptions and Saturday Homecoming dinner are now held in the Fieldhouse, bringing together for the first time in recent history all Reunion classes and returning alumni in one venue.  

Outdoor Track -- The outdoor track at Trevor Field was resurfaced and expanded during summer 2006. It now has eight lanes and the new running surface is purple! The expanded track and renovated field sites make the track venue one of four capable of hosting outdoor Midwest Conference meets. The renovations cost $800,000, and the College agreed to put forth up to $300,000 toward the project, while the balance of $500,000 was raised from alumni. A group of alumni raised $200,000 to secure the naming of the outdoor track to honor their coach and professor of physical education from 1938 to 1963, Coach Harold C. Turner. 

Weight Room Conversion -- The existing weight room in the lower level of Memorial Gymnasium was renovated during spirng 2006 to make room for a team meeting/film room and for an expansion of the current wrestling and athletic training rooms. Funds for the conversion came from Charles '52 and Priscilla Porter and 20 wrestling alumni.  

Jorge Prats Field -- Renovations to the soccer field surface began spring 2007 and involved leveling and reseeding the playing field. Enhancements to the venue included covered team benches for both teams; the installation of fencing around the field; a state-of-the-art public address system; and new goals. The soccer field was dedicated October 20, 2007, and is now named Jorge Prats Field.

Under Consideration
Four other athletic initiatives are under consideration and will be pursued if there is sufficient alumni and donor interest.  

Naming Opportunities
The Task Force has established a number of naming opportunities to leave a legacy on the Knox campus. Take a look. 

Questions on the initiatives? Interested in making a gift toward one of the projects? Contact: