District Unveils Plans for New Athletic Facility
Chester Union Free School District is planning a new athletic facility. A proposition for the Interscholastic Athletic Facility Capital Project will be put before voters on Dec. 16.
Following an extensive two-year feasibility study and interscholastic audit, the district has developed a plan to create the facility between Chester Academy and Chester Elementary School. It includes a multi-sport athletics field and eight-lane track, grandstand seating with press box, and a field house designed for both home and visiting teams with public restrooms and a concession area.
Designed with both safety and community access in mind, the project includes a single main entryway and perimeter fencing to provide a secure yet welcoming environment for students, athletes, and residents. According to a press release, it qualifies for approximately 30% in New York State Building Aid on eligible expenses, which will offset a portion of the total cost and reduce the local taxpayer share.
Southern Illinois Cuts Ribbon on New Athletics Production Studio
Through the generosity of SIU alumnus Steve Wells, the media team within Saluki Athletics now has a modern space to enhance its storytelling and spread Saluki spirit near and far.
"I'm just thrilled. For a young guy like Luke Martin to build on what exists here … is far and away above whatever other Valley school does," Wells, a 1974 graduate of the College of Arts and Media.
The renovation of this space was fully funded by a lead gift from Steve Wells, a 1974 graduate of the College of Arts and Media and avid Saluki fan. Through his generosity, Saluki Athletics updated the studio space and acquired much-needed media equipment, including cameras, a soundboard, monitors, microphones, and more.
"This is our portal to the world," said Tim Leonard, director of athletics. "We need this, and Steve made it happen for us."
Montana State University Updates Facilities Master Plan
Leon Costello doesn't see Montana State University's updated Bobcat Facilities Master Plan as a starting point or a new document. He sees it as a continuation.
"The dedication and hard work of many people have helped us reshape our facilities in a way that benefit all of our student-athletes over the last nine years," Montana State's Director of Athletics said. "This update provides us a road map to continue the progress we've made."
The core of the 2025 Athletic Master Plan offers improvement projects to Brick Breeden Fieldhouse, Shroyer Gym, the Bobcat-Anderson Tennis Center, Bobcat Stadium, and the Bobcat Track and Field Complex. Enhancements include additions and upgrades to all areas that impact student-athlete performance and wellness, along with amenities that improve fan experience.
"Our primary goal is to continue creating opportunities for our student-athletes to become champions on and off the field by optimizing their performance and experience at Montana State University," said Costello, who engineered his first Facilities Master Plan shortly after arriving at MSU in 2016. "Improved facilities, including spaces that meet the changing needs of today's student athletes remain an essential piece of this process."
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