Aug. 19, 2003
FORT WORTH, TEXAS -- The fundraising goal has been met for a new basketball practice complex, and construction on the 22,000-square-foot facility is underway, TCU Athletics Director Eric Hyman announced today.
"This facility makes a huge statement to the commitment we have towards our basketball programs," said Hyman. "This is another step in the master plan for facilities that was developed five years ago. The money for this project was raised through private donations and endowments and there is no cost to the university. That speaks volumes for the TCU community, especially Ed and Rae Schollmaier, to raise this money in this economic climate," added Hyman.
Planners envision an attractive structure, matching the light brick look of TCU's family of athletic venues. The $6 million project will stand southwest of Daniel-Meyer Coliseum on the grounds formerly used as the baseball field. The facility will feature office space for both coaching staffs, two NCAA regulation practice courts, meeting rooms, weight room, a lobby and courtyard.
"I am committed to building a nationally-recognized and respected Division I basketball program at TCU," men's basketball coach Neil Dougherty said. "Construction of this practice facility is an important step in achieving this goal and assuring that we can compete in recruiting and on the court in Conference USA and nationally. We appreciate those who stepped up and made this complex a reality."
"This building is going to be a huge asset in the development of our student-athletes," said TCU women's basketball coach Jeff Mittie. "We're very excited about the completion of the fundraising and appreciative of those individuals who are helping to further our programs."
In the past five years, the TCU family has made a commitment to other programs and facilities, including the Bayard Friedman Tennis Center, the Robert and Maria Lowdon Track & Field Complex, the Garvey-Rosenthal Soccer Stadium, the Clifton and Sheridan Morris Football Practice Fields, the Charles and Marie Lupton Stadium for baseball and the John Justin Athletic Center for all sports.
