Vanderbilt Football Players Christen Weight Room Renovation Monday 2/4/02

Photo Gallery
Commodore football players arrived early Monday morning, eager to christen the team's new $600,000 weight room renovation in McGugin Center.

New Vanderbilt Football Strength, Speed & Conditioning Director John Sisk pushed the first two groups of players through sessions before classes began Monday. He was pleased with the effort put forth in the opening sessions.

"When all the equipment arrives, this is going to be a very special weight room, one that Vanderbilt can take great pride in. The players are ready to go. It's going to be a great addition for the football program," Sisk said.

The three-month construction project, designed by Gilbert McLaughlin Architects of Nashville, nearly doubled the former size, expanding the space to almost 8,000 square feet. The facility features a variety of new custom-built training equipment, including eight Olympic platform bench units, three-tier chest racks, lat pull down machines and a wide assortment of free weights. More equipment, including three 20-foot Austin leg drive units, is expected within a week. The facility comes complete with a 40-yard sprint surface.

Several returning Vanderbilt starters had glowing reviews after the sessions. "This is great. It's feels like a weight room, a much better environment than what was here before. Everybody is excited," defensive end Chuck Losey.

Losey's sentiments were echoed by three-year secondary starter Rushen Jones. "It's a very nice facility and has a great environment. Everybody is working toward next season," the defensive back said.