Mar 4, 2010 9:43:52 AM

Lake Superior State recently announced a $5 million project to renovate and expand its arena, gymnasium and student activity center. The privately funded project should be complete by fall 2012.

"With all of the bad news and challenging times around the state and nation, it's great to have some good news happening right here," said school President Tony McLain. "This expanded facility will serve our students for many decades. The best part is that it's being made possible through private donations. This illustrates the strong support we have in the Laker community, and it allows the university to continue to focus its resources on academics."

The project includes enhanced office space for coaches and staff, new facilities for the school's ice hockey team, a renovated athletic training room and a modern equipment room. The area also features a 2,800 square-foot strength and conditioning area.

"The Norris Center has served our student-athletes well for the past 34 years, but many areas need major renovations and upgrades," said Director of Athletics Kris Dunbar. "It is so exciting to be a part of a project that will enhance the competitive and academic experiences for our Division II athletes and keep our hockey facility on par with big Division I programs. And we're filling a desperate need for more locker room space for our track, tennis and softball teams. This building brings in hundreds, sometimes thousands of people every day. It will be more inviting than ever before."

Hockey coach Jim Roque said the private donors are enabling upgrades the school could not have accomplished on its own.

"It's enabling us to keep pace, show progress – not just for hockey, but for all of the Laker teams. This will energize our players, staff, fans and alumni," Roque said.