In order to secure The University of Olivet’s future in providing the best educational experience possible, the Responsible Learners – Responsible Leaders comprehensive campaign will fund several projects, including a variety of athletic enhancements. OC recognizes that for students to lead a changing world while achieving individual and professional success, an education based on character, as much as intelligence, is more critical than ever. For 61 percent of our students, that character is built in athletic competition.
Like most successful leaders, athletes understand the tangible advantages of executing a plan. They know what it’s like to work under pressure, when the stakes are high and a lot of people are watching. As today’s complex world proves, nothing is more valued than a decision-maker with a level head. In fact, an astounding 95 percent of Fortune 500 Company chief executives played college sports, as did more than half of all female top executives from five different countries, according to Ernst & Young.
With the majority of OC students participating on athletic teams, Comet student-athletes know the importance of team dynamics: building trust, understanding others’ personalities, exercising discipline and adaptability, and making quick decisions. As The University of Olivet focuses on growing its athletic opportunities, the number of leaders who take those skills from the field to the greater world will grow too.
ATHLETIC FACILITIES EXPANSION AND ENHANCEMENTS
The University of Olivet campus supports a wide range of NCAA Division III athletic teams, along with numerous intramural and club sports. In order to continue the success of our growing Comet athletics program, expanding and enhancing current facilities is necessary. Funds raised through the Responsible Learners – Responsible Leaders campaign have and will support the following projects:
Complete reorganization of the Cutler Athletic Complex and Event Center, including the addition of a new, expanded fitness center and weight room- Football coaches’ suite
- Officials’ locker room and additional storage
- Expansion of athletic training space
- Combined wrestling and cheerleading training area
- Extension of the gym to allow for a second full court
- A six-court tennis facility
- Improvements to the baseball field press box, concessions stand and restrooms
- Soccer field enhancements
- Updated scoreboards
- Expanded parking
- Drastically improved field quality
PYNE PAVILION (COMPLETED)
Greatly enhancing the game-day experience, the Pyne Pavilion offers a permanent space for Comet fans to root for our athletic teams, enjoy concessions and purchase The University of Olivet team apparel in the comfort of a state-of-the-art facility.
The two-story structure, which opened in the fall of 2014, is named for and supported by friends of George Pyne III ’65, who starred and lettered in football at The University of Olivet for four years and went on to play in the NFL for the Boston Patriots.
ATHLETIC PROGRAM START-UP AND EXPANSION
The University of Olivet has and will continue to invest start-up funds for new varsity and club sports. Recently instated athletic opportunities include women’s and men’s bowling, men’s volleyball, men’s tennis and co-ed competitive dance (jazz and hip-hop styles). In addition, campaign funds supported the addition of a full-time track and field coach and full-time cheerleading coach.
FOOTBALL LOCKER ROOM EXPANSION (COMPLETED)
The Comet football program continues to build on its successes. Under recruiting coordinator turned head coach Dan Musielewicz, the team has doubled in size from 75 to 150 student-athletes, and with focused recruitment and retention efforts, the program will only continue to grow. Recent upgrades add much-needed locker room and training space, as well as the resources necessary for this expanding, winning team to continue its success.
Learn more about this and other Responsible Learners – Responsible Leaders projects and how you can get involved.