Reese Court replacing floor for first time since 1975

CHENEY, Wash. -- Eastern Washington has always been a program that builds from the ground up.

"There were two Big Sky champions were on that court last year," EWU Athletic Director Tim Collins said.

Ground zero for that next step is on the ground floor at Reese Court.

Construction crews are replacing the floor inside the facility for the first time since the venue opened in 1975.

The money to cover the estimated $700,000 makeover comes from the nearly 100 events held at Reese Court each year, from high school graduation to wheelchair basketball tournaments.

"Having a facility that we're proud of and that is fully functional is really important," Collins said. "By redoing the gym floor, that will really allow us to maximize the event space for campus."

The university says money for the project does not come from state allocated money or tuition dollars.

"With any capital improvement on campus, a lot of times there is a blend of funds that make projects like this a reality," Collins said. With how important this facility is to our campus and to our community we're incredibly fortunate to have our university's partnership and investment into a facility like this."

Student-athletes on campus say the renovations were long overdue.

"Injury prevention is very important," junior women's basketball player Alexis Pettis said. "Not having to worry about dead spots on the floor and having to trip up or the ball not coming back up to you."

EWU also hopes the facility facelift aids in recruiting.

"I think it's going to be more enticing for more recruits coming," junior volleyball player Sadie Bacon said. "I think it'll show that we're a big school and we're ready to play."

The project is set to be complete in August for the start of the volleyball season.

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