Fitness & Athletics Initiatives

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 other enhancements to the athletic facilities on campus. Since summer 2005, the College has completed seven of 10 initiatives to improve or add to the existing campus athletic facilities.

Completed Projects
Knosher Bowl -- Installed a new synthetic turf surface, fencing, entry gates, and sidewalks, stairs and ramps to the top of the berms; lowered the north berm to open the Bowl to campus; created handicap parking; added new goal posts; enlarged areas for team benches and athletic training staff and equipment; and added additional bleachers, amenities center and covered pavillion. Completed fall 2009.

Memorial Gymnasium -- Replaced the current bleachers with new auto-retracting wood bleachers that retain the integrity and vintage feel of the gym; installed a new HVAC system and sound system; and upgraded the scoreboard and scorer’s table. In addition, the lobby area of the gymnasium was remodeled and the restroom facilities are now accessible to wheelchairs. Completed summer 2008.

Jorge Prats Soccer Field -- Leveled and reseeded the playing field; covered team benches; and installed fencing, a state-of-the-art public address system, and new goals. Completed summer 2007.

Turner Track -- Excavated and built a purple eight-lane, all-weather running track with regulation steeplechase water pit and new field event sites. These sites including pole vault and long/triple jump runways, an expanded high jump apron, double-circle hammer and discus areas, and enlarged shot-put sector. Completed summer 2006.

Weight Room Conversion -- Expanded wrestling space and athletic training rooms, added team meeting/film room, and acquired new equipment and supplies. Completed spring 2006.

E. & L. Andrew Fitness Center -- Increased aerobic and cardio activity space at the College by more than 150% and free weight workout space by 50% in new 13,000 square foot, state-of-the-art fitness center on the west side of Memorial Gymnasium. Completed winter 2006.

T. Fleming Fieldhouse -- Installed sprinkler system, allowing for the use of the facility for non-sporting events and making it the largest indoor venue in Galesburg for lectures, receptions, and -- if needed -- Commencement. Completed summer 2005.

Under Consideration
Three 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.

Task Force
The Fitness Center and Athletics Initiatives Task Force, formed in the fall of 2004, is comprised of students, faculty, staff, trustees, alumni, and friends of the College.