Wayne State College athletics is moving forward with the next phase of its $30-plus million-plus Athletic and Recreation Complex Project.
            Wildcat Athletic Director Mike Powicki has announced that work began last week on the third phase of the project, which is converting the Kirk Gardner Indoor Athletic Complex into a full-sized practice wood court for volleyball, men's and women's basketball and other athletic and recreation program use.
            Future plans also call for the re-location of offices for volleyball, men's and women's basketball to the upgraded facility as well.
            Construction began last week with a planned completion date of November, 2025. 
            In 2020, the space in the former Carlson Natatorium was converted into an indoor turf sports facility and was utilized by all Wildcat athletic teams and renamed the Kirk Gardner Indoor Athletic Complex.  The facility will retain the name of the Kirk Gardner Indoor Athletic Complex. 
            The first two phases of the Athletic and Recreation Complex Project – the Wildcat Dome, Recreation Center renovation and Bebee Family Atrium – were dedicated during a ceremony held in April. 
 
            WHAT THEY SAID:
             "To say that our volleyball program is excited about the renovation of the Gardner indoor athletic complex to a full size practice facility for volleyball and both basketball programs, is an understatement!  It will be an absolute game changer for all three of our programs to be able to practice at the same time,  and or, get extra reps throughout the year! Wayne State Athletics and our facilities continue to get better and better!
Scott Kneifl – Head Volleyball Coach / Wayne State College
 
            "The addition of the practice facility will be a tremendous asset for the future of our basketball program.  It will enhance the opportunity for our players to develop and build on the success of our program. We are fortunate to have the commitment here at WSC to invest in the experience and opportunity for our athletes to compete at the highest level."
Jeff Kaminsky – Head Men's Basketball Coach / Wayne State College
 
            "This new practice facility is a game-changer. It provides additional practice space and more court access for our women's basketball team which will be a major contributor toward our program's future success. Wayne State College is investing in our student-athletes, and the impact will be felt for years to come."
Brian Ortmeier – Head Women's Basketball Coach / Wayne State College