A group of former Ohio University student-athletes have teamed up in recent years to help fund updates to the school's football facilities.
According to the school's website, areas that the team uses every day — team meeting areas, locker room, weight room, nutrition station and other student athlete facing areas — have been revived with updated technology, more comfortable furnishings, better space utilization and an overall more modern look.
The full renovations are on schedule to finish in the next year, with updates to the athletic training room scheduled to be completed in 2023.
“Having someone that cares so much about the facility, and the OHIO Bobcats in general, truly means a lot for us,” said Hagen Meservy, RS, 5th Year, OL. “Having people that believe in our program and want us to win at a high level means the world to us.”
Former student athlete Michael Taylor ('88), has made a number of contributions to the help with the updates.
"Being here at OHIO, the people here and my experiences at the University and in the football program changed my life, and I want to make sure that today's students have those same opportunities I had and that prospective student athletes see the difference OHIO can make," Taylor said.
Taylor is one of many student-athletes who have committed to helping the school improve its facilities.
"It's not just about the gift itself, but about how OHIO altered my life's trajectory, and how I know the power of being a student athlete on this campus," Taylor said. "I want more students who are considering college to think about OHIO--it's not just a place, it allows you to experience transformation."
The updates have made a big difference for the team as well, said OHIO Director of Athletics Julie Cromer. "It's been a big morale booster for the student athletes and we're looking forward to welcoming our new recruits to these modern, comfortable spaces," she said. "Thanks to the generosity of our alumni, our facilities are now on par with the best in the Mid-American Conference."
