The constant hum of work in the varsity gymnasium since the beginning of the school year will soon be replaced by loud cheers and boisterous fans. The current smell of new wood and fresh paint will soon be followed by the stench of sweaty athletes. And though the south end of Jesuit does not look the same, it will still hold the same school pride.
With a completely new design, the changes have become obvious at the North side of the Walsh Gym, with glass panels allowing passers-by to peek inside the gym. While standing near the 3 foot tall window, one can see the new basketball goals and blue bleachers, giving onlookers a sense that the gym is now one with the school.
At center court, the Jesuit Cross decorates the hardwood, gleaming throughout the gymnasium and reflecting the school’s Christian values. Then, on the upper right side of the gym, peeking out of the athletic hall, one can see a new mezzanine overlooking the entire gym floor. The mezzanine offers spectators a whole new perspective, a viewpoint that has never before been offered at Jesuit basketball games.
The construction of the new basketball court not only provides a whole new reason for players and coaches to be excited about this season, but also for students and fans.
Basketball Coach Christopher Hill said the prominent features of the improved gym are “the all-glass windows inside,” designed by Joe Howard, who works in the Jesuit Development office. Coach Hill also added that he likes the “different shades on the floor” that make “it look really nice.”
Athletic Director Mr. Steve Koch also enjoys the different colors on the floor because other teams “in the NBA and college” are adding them to their basketball courts.
When asked about the purpose of the mezzanine, Coach Hill commented that it will be used for “more viewing into the gym,” like a press box applied in bigger stadiums, and, according to Mr. Koch, will also “add some flexibility in the future with events upstairs during basketball games.” Jesuit is selling basketball season ticket packages with reserved seating in the mezzanine area.
Just as the pride for the team will not fade, neither will the memories that Coach Hill experienced on the old floor. Coach Hill said that the
previous court was a symbol of how “[his] high-school coaching career started, but if anything would have to stand out it would be the ‘gold-out’ games, especially the first one” in which Jesuit played a very good Plano West team and beat them, prompting the students to rush the floor.
Starting forward Michael McReynolds ’15 also talked about the gym, saying that he is “very excited” for the new season and it is “a chance to have as many good memories on the new court as [he] did on the last one.”
As for the fans, Junior Alex Gurun said that “the floor looks sweet” and that he “cannot wait for the first game.”
The sounds and cheers of the new gym will erupt at the inaugural game against South Oak Cliff on November 16 at 2:30 p.m. The time to make new memories is now.
