GLENSIDE, Pa. - Arcadia University and the Department of Athletics and Recreation recently completed its 2,500 square-foot expansion of the Kuch Center, a project that began back in mid-August 2019. Expansions, renovations, and newly-designed branding took place in the Kuch Center lobby and both the fitness and sports training centers.

The expansion project, funded through a combination of university capital dollars and previously-raised funds through a donor gift, comes as an avenue to parallel the continued growth of the Arcadia Athletic Department, which has expanded from 14 varsity sports in 2012 to what will be 26 by the 2021-22 academic year.

"We couldn't be happier with the results of this project," Executive Director of Athletics and Recreation Brian Granata said. "We made significant enhancements to both workout facilities, and these improvements will have a positive impact on the entire campus community, not just our student-athletes. At the same time, we modernized the Kuch Center, and there is a renewed sense of pride walking into the building. As the largest indoor space on campus, the Kuch Center is home to many major campus events, including open houses, speakers, and commencements. We are proud to welcome individuals into our new home."

The exterior of the Kuch Center underwent major changes during the renovation process, as the main entrance is now black with chrome signage, including an LED-lighted 'Arcadia Knights' sign. Additionally, the Kuch Center was completely repainted and the exterior also features new up-down lighting across the entirety of the building. New university-branded benches were also added to the spaces in front of the lobby entrance.

The sports training center, located on the lower floor of the Kuch Center adjacent to the lobby, was expanded to provide additional training space - including a 5x20-yard section of turf flooring to allow for speed and agility work. Additional weight-training equipment was also added, including: 

• 6 Rogue Safety Squat Bars

• 8 Intek U-Shape Trap Bars

• 12 Iron Grip Olympic Bars

• Arcadia-branded Iron Grip dumbbells ranging from 5-100 pounds

• 4,500 lbs. of Intek and Iron Grip Free weights

• Rogers Pendulum Strength Equipment, including 3 Rogers Full Racks, 6 Rogers Half Racks, 4 Rogers Glute Hams, and 4 300 lb. Pendulum Hi/Low Cable Columns

"This is an exciting time for the Arcadia University community as a whole," Assistant Director of Sport Performance and Head Strength & Conditioning Coach Todd Barnes remarked. "This addition truly benefits the overall health and experience of our entire student body, faculty, and staff. We really wanted to be able to provide a space that the community would be proud of and excited to use. The renovations made to the sports training center have been great.  With the addition of new varsity athletics programs and increased roster sizes, this renovation will allow us to better manage those increased demands while allowing for more versatile training programs and addressing the specific needs of athletes."

The second floor fitness center also features new equipment, including two Precore Squat Racks, two Assault Air Bikes and Air Runners, a full line of Paramount selectorized machines and a new set of dumbbells ranging from 5-100 pounds in addition to the existing cardio machines, allowing for a wider variety of exercise options with the expanded space. The fitness center now extends into the second floor lobby area. Both workout facilities are available to varsity student-athletes, faculty, staff, and students.

"The renovations and upgrades have enhanced our student-athlete experience as a whole," Arcadia women's basketball senior and Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) President Courtney Hoffman remarked. "Having more space to train with improved equipment and facilities will be beneficial to every team's success. To see how our athletic department and facilities have evolved since my freshman year makes me feel grateful to attend a university that is constantly dedicated to improving both our academic and athletic experiences." 

Additionally, the entire first floor of the Kuch Center received upgrades consisting of new flooring, personal storage lockers, branding, and a reception desk that features a new swipe system to enter the facility.

Built in 1993, the Catherine M. and Harry G. Kuch Recreation and Athletic Center houses Alumni Gymnasium, Lenox Pool, the Athletic Hall of Fame, workout spaces, an indoor elevated running track, aerobics and dance studio, locker rooms, athletic training room, and staff offices. The facility serves as the primary competition venue for men's and women's basketball, men's and women's volleyball, and men's and women's swimming.