Augustana College Athletics

Augustana College is in the process of making significant improvements to its wrestling facilities in response to adding varsity women's wrestling and to accommodate planned growth in the men's program.

When the college opened the Peter J. Lindberg, M.D., Center for Health and Human Performance, which includes the Anne Greve Lund Natatorium, the space in the Carver Center that housed the pool became available. Coach Tony Willaert and a handful of dedicated alumni saw the opportunity to make the case to Athletic Director Mike Zapolski and members of the college's administration, that the space had the potential to serve as a wrestling training and competition facility for men's and women's wrestling. The administration listened and offered some suggestions, but ultimately saw the promise of improving the college's facilities for student-athletes involved in wrestling and has demonstrated great support for the envisioned improvements to the space.
 
In fact, the college is making a substantial investment, in excess of $1 million, to ensure the space can effectively serve as an improved venue for training and competition for Viking wrestling.
In addition, a small group of committed donors, working closely with Coach Willaert and Mike Zapolski, have committed more than $100,000 to the college's investment to make the space even better.

EXISTING SCOPE OF PROJECT ($1.1 million of improvements funded by the college)

• New mechanical and HVAC systems to provide the right environment for wrestling
• Site preparation/transition from pool to wrestling space
• Electrical improvements
• New mats
• New floor covering
• Sports branding – banners, graphics and recognition of wrestling champions and championships

Within the existing scope of the project, Tim Dodge, standout Augustana student-athlete and longtime administrator, will be recognized within the renewed facility. Lead donors to the project were especially keen on ensuring recognition of Tim Dodge and his many contributions to Augustana College over the years. This recognition and the $1.1 million in improvements will renew an existing space and offer a new home to Viking wrestling, beginning in the 2022-2023 season.

Additional improvements identified by Coach Willaert include:

• 40 new lockers* and locker room renewal
• Mat lift system
• On-mat bleacher system
• Office renewal

Approximate capacity for spectators is 336 persons.

Other improvements being investigated involve windows and lighting

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