With the initial phase already completed, those associated with spearheading a renovation of the Regis High School gymnasium feel the majority of the work on the project should be completed this summer.
But while the timeline is obviously important to the Ramblers’ sports teams so that the work is completed in time for fall sports, both the purpose of the renovation and the teamwork that has been involved in the project have been just as vital and meaningful to those who are dedicated to the modern retooling of the seven-decade old gymnasium.
This project, which is 100-percent donor funded, actually began during spring break when workers were able to start the initial phase of removing old materials, such as the bleachers. The bulk of the renovation work will take place over the summer months in time for the gymnasium in the 70-year-building to house athletic events in it this fall.
According to Randy Risler, one of four members who spearheaded the renovation, the primary goal of the project is to replace the original gymnasium flooring. Other updates in the plan will include the installation of new bleachers, scoreboards, humidity controls, floor-to-ceiling paint and backboards.
The Diocese of La Crosse approved the project several months ago and that allowed the workers to do the initital phase of the removal in early spring. Of course, the bulk of the renovation work will take place over the summer months and is already in progress.
No money will be spent from the Regis Catholic Schools operational budget for anything associated with the project, Risler noted.
“ A lot of press was given to the various referendum proposals throughout the state of Wisconsin from earlier this spring. Regis has no referendum or public funding for a project like ours. Rather, a small group “Regis Special Projects LLC,” empowered and supported by Regis leadership. invested their time, treasure and talent to improve the facilities of one of Eau Claire’s most storied gymnasiums,” Risler, a member of the committee told the Leader-Telegram in an email response to an inquiry about the project.
He went on to explain that the Special Projects LLC worked with Hoeft Builders of Altoona to execute a plan for a highly functional gymnasium with special attention to the visual appeal for the many demographics who utilize it.
“The Special Projects LLC worked with a small group of generous donors to bring this vision of a new, state of the art gymnasium into reality,” Risler, who responded on behalf of the other three members who are spearheading the project, noted. Other members of the group who have been a part of this project are Jeff Kassing, Teddy Joas and Bill Spangler.
Risler noted that the gymnasium housed at the high school, which is located on Fenwick Avenue in Eau Claire, is now 70-years-old and it was definitely time to make some much-needed updates to the gymnasium
Risler explained that The Special Projects LLC was granted the authorization by the Diocese of La Crosse “through diligent application coordinated by Regis Administration. The project was financially back-stopped by the Regis Foundation and funded by generous donors. Hoeft utilized their experience and expertise from previous gymnasium renovation projects to facilitate design and product selection with the special projects team.”
Risler and the organizers are pleased with what has been done to date and he praised the dean and president of Regis High School, his fellow organizers and the donors who have contributed to the cause for helping the new gymnasium become a reality.
Risler has likened what has occurred throughout the course of the project — from the inception state to where they are today — to the teamwork that is essential to a successful athletics’ program.
“For example a successful team has a diverse group of players who bring their unique talents such as rebounding, passing, defense and scoring to pursue a successful outcome,” Risler explained, noting that the group who has contributed to this renovation project are very much a team, thus prompting the positive results the project has seen thus far.
Those interested in donating to the renovation fund, you can go to this website, https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/WebLink.aspx?name=E359332&id=1
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