It took longer than expected, but the Texas Southern athletic department has taken a step in the right direction with the official opening of its new athletic strength and conditioning facility.
The $3.5 million, 6,600-square-foot facility features state-of-the-art weights and weight machines, offices for the strength and conditioning staff, and additional space for physical therapy and other support services for the student-athletes.
The facility, which sits behind Alexander Durley Stadium on campus, has been up for a while but had to undergo inspections before the staff and student-athletes were allowed to use it.
Now when we have recruits visit our campus, we can bring them into facilities that will match up with anybody’s in the state.
Kevin Granger, TSU Athletic Director
“It gives us the opportunity to compete with anybody,” said TSU athletic director Kevin Granger, who also recently broke ground on new baseball and softball facilities that will be across the street from campus. “One of the things that these new student-athletes are checking out is your facilities. So, when you don’t have top notch facilities, a lot of times they’re not going to come to your school.
“Now when we have recruits visit our campus, we can bring them into facilities that will match up with anybody’s in the state.”
There are 16 intercollegiate athletics programs at the University. Additionally, the Ocean of Soul Marching Band, TSU Cheer team, TSU Sensations, and the mascots fall under athletics. Until the opening of this new facility, all student-athletes utilized a strength and conditioning space in H&PE Arena that is about half the size of the new facility.
“Having this bigger space, like this bigger weight room provides more motivation,” TSU baseball player Errick Lewis said. “We can definitely get stronger, bigger, faster here. I think it’s just going to be a great environment. The team’s going to love it. It’s going to be great.”
