Adelbert out as venue
Amruth Jonnalagadda
Issue date: 2/5/10 Section: Sports
When CWRU alumni return to campus this weekend to root for the men's and women's basketball teams, they might be surprised to find that the fifth annual Throwback Weekend has been moved to Horsburgh Gymnasium. During the past four years, these games were held at Adelbert Gymnasium. The reason: The athletic department had become aware that opposing teams were displeased with the conditions at Adelbert. Steve Thompson, assistant athletic director for facilities and operations, said, "Nobody complained directly. We heard it through the old grapevine. There were some rumors."
The athletic department decided that Adelbert did not meet intercollegiate standards for hosting varsity games.
During Throwback Weekend, both the men's and women's basketball teams don historically accurate jerseys of Western Reserve University (Red Cats), Case Institute of Technology (Rough Riders), and Mather College. The event is marketed to both students and alumni.
The cost of turning Adelbert into a venue that was capable of seating both students and alumni became too high, especially when the athletic department factored in the fact that the additions would only be used for a weekend. Stands had to be brought in order to increase the seating capacity of the court. However, Thompson does not believe that the move to Horsburgh will cause Throwback Weekend to lose its purpose of showcasing the history of athletics at CWRU.
"Horsburgh Stadium was the home of the Rough Riders. It's over 50 years old. There's some history here as well," said Thompson.
On the other side of the coin, the athletic department is aware that Adelbert could use some renovations. Thompson said, "There's always discussion about student needs." In the past two years, energy-EFFICIENT lights have been added to the gymnasium and the walls have been repainted. Although there has been talk about renovating the actual court, there are no definitive plans yet.
The CWRU Alumni Association did not need any convincing to agree to the venue change of their sponsored event. Thompson said, "It wasn't like we had to drag them along."
Rascal House Pizza will be opening up the Little Rascal's Lounge for those 21 years or older in the gym on Friday and Sunday. On Friday, it will be open from 5:30 p.m. and will close once the men's basketball game ends. Lounge entrance costs $5 and will include free pizza, wings, cheese, and other food. The lounge also includes a cash bar. In addition, part of the cardio room will be reserved as a spot for alumni.
The athletic department decided that Adelbert did not meet intercollegiate standards for hosting varsity games.
During Throwback Weekend, both the men's and women's basketball teams don historically accurate jerseys of Western Reserve University (Red Cats), Case Institute of Technology (Rough Riders), and Mather College. The event is marketed to both students and alumni.
The cost of turning Adelbert into a venue that was capable of seating both students and alumni became too high, especially when the athletic department factored in the fact that the additions would only be used for a weekend. Stands had to be brought in order to increase the seating capacity of the court. However, Thompson does not believe that the move to Horsburgh will cause Throwback Weekend to lose its purpose of showcasing the history of athletics at CWRU.
"Horsburgh Stadium was the home of the Rough Riders. It's over 50 years old. There's some history here as well," said Thompson.
On the other side of the coin, the athletic department is aware that Adelbert could use some renovations. Thompson said, "There's always discussion about student needs." In the past two years, energy-EFFICIENT lights have been added to the gymnasium and the walls have been repainted. Although there has been talk about renovating the actual court, there are no definitive plans yet.
The CWRU Alumni Association did not need any convincing to agree to the venue change of their sponsored event. Thompson said, "It wasn't like we had to drag them along."
Rascal House Pizza will be opening up the Little Rascal's Lounge for those 21 years or older in the gym on Friday and Sunday. On Friday, it will be open from 5:30 p.m. and will close once the men's basketball game ends. Lounge entrance costs $5 and will include free pizza, wings, cheese, and other food. The lounge also includes a cash bar. In addition, part of the cardio room will be reserved as a spot for alumni.
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