Irene Boehm
Sports Editor
In an effort to support the growing student-athlete population and increasingly competitive programs, Sewanee launched a fundraising effort to comprehensively upgrade the Fowler Center. New athletic training facilities, a state-of-the-art weight room, and a new locker room are just a few of the additions being made to The Fowler Center in an athletics “mini-campaign.”
Renovation is expected to conclude in early 2026 and will include: the replacement of racquetball courts with a spacious weight room, enabling multiple teams to train at once; installation of a cardio mezzanine area above the weight room, outfitted with treadmills, rowers, and other top-tier equipment; construction of a new athletic training room, housed in the current weight room, featuring new floors, treatment tables, equipment, and office space; and creation of an additional locker room including new lockers, showers, a recovery room, and restroom.
The total budget for this project is approximately $9 million, which includes a $1 million maintenance endowment to sustain the building in perpetuity.
The vision for the upgraded Sewanee Athletics draws on the objectives outlined in the University’s recent strategic planning process. Formally approved on Aug. 9, 2024, the plan lays out a clear roadmap for strengthening and shaping the University through 2030. Key priorities include:
● promoting student formation and relationship-building
● creating new pathways for students to develop and hone lifelong skills
● providing the Sewanee community with comfortable, safe, high-caliber facilities
- increasing the University’s endowment while developing new sources of net-positive revenue
According to Director of Major Gifts, John Whaling, (C’07), said the Fowler Center fundraising is a small part of the University’s new comprehensive capital campaign, which will support the strategic plan by raising funds for, among other things, the rejuvenation of our residence halls and academic buildings, faculty support, and endowment growth. The total budget for this project is approximately $9 million, which includes a $1 million maintenance endowment to sustain the building in perpetuity. The comprehensive campaign is in the “silent phase” and doesn’t yet have a name. However, Whaling ensured, “In due time, we’ll have an official name and branding. We expect the capital campaign to last five years.”
Perhaps most exciting for many athletes is the installation of an elevated refueling station. This station will include grab-and-go options such as a post-practice smoothie or a pre-class sandwich. “Healthy, on-the-go snack options are an increasingly important requirement for students with busy lifestyles, Whaling said. “Thiand this installation will definitely support student-athletes’ goals and performance at Sewanee.”
Alongside the current Fowler renovations, several other initiatives are enhancing Sewanee Athletics facilities across campus. These include, but are not limited to:
● Natatorium Improvements
● Montgomery Baseball Field Lights
● Softball Stadium Renovations
Whaling wants to emphasize that “while outlines are in place, these projects and their funding needs are fluid as funds come in through philanthropy and material costs fluctuate.”
According to the University Advancement team, “Each step of this multi-phase renovation plan will bring the Fowler Center closer to Sewanee Athletics’ goal of creating a first-class athletics center of unmatched quality that includes the most efficient use of available space, increased flexibility for the success of our student-athletes, and necessary upgrades for our coaches and other staff members to succeed in their work…. Fowler upgrades have already substantially increased the competitiveness of our athletics program, boosted team morale, and created a more enjoyable game-watching experience for Tiger fans.”