LOUISVILLE, Ky.—Bellarmine University unveiled its new 5,500-square-foot athletic training facility, the Bradford T. Ray Sports Performance Center, earlier this academic year, and the new center already has become a staple in the preparation and wellness of Bellarmine's student-athletes.
The state-of-the-art facility houses Bellarmine's sports medicine and sports performance functions and benefits student-athletes in many ways. Among the facility's amenities are a wet room with five whirlpools, a private examination room, a four-person taping station, a rehabilitation area, offices for athletic trainers and a "turf room" that provides student-athletes a 35-yard turfed area to train at full speed.
Named in honor of Bellarmine alumnus and Bellarmine trustee Bradford T. Ray for his leadership and vision to the project, the facility is one of the first in a college athletics setting to make use of CuVerro Antimicrobial Copper, which kills more than 95 percent of the bacteria it contacts. The product was used on all touch points of the Center, including all handles, light switches, railings, sinks, tables, and carts. Even the dumbbells and kettle weights have copper-coated handles.
Bellarmine Director of Athletics
Scott Wiegandt said, "We wanted to do whatever we could to provide a sterile environment to minimize any kind of infection, and because of Mr. Ray's association with Global Brass and Copper, we were made aware of the outstanding CuVerro product. Our student-athletes' health is obviously our primary concern, and this new product is well worth the investment."
The facility, which is about seven times bigger than Bellarmine's previous training room, is located in Knights Hall and provides student-athletes convenient access from locker rooms while also being accessible from outside.
The Bradford T. Ray Sports Performance Center occupies space that formerly housed the university's maintenance shop and offices. Project managers took careful steps to ensure the old utilitarian space's transformation ended with a new area that is both functional and aesthetically-pleasing.
"Having seen this space prior to the renovation, I can attest to how dramatic the change is," said Taylor Webb, a senior cross country and track athlete. "Not only is the transformation of the space amazing, but the new training room is bigger and better in every way," he added.
Some examples of combining functionality and style include the taping stations and weights. The taping stations are not only well-equipped with comfortable cushions and cabinets, but they are branded in school colors and adorned with Knights logos as well. The dumbbells and kettle weights also have the Bellarmine knight logo engraved in the metal.
The center's décor includes the use of school colors and inspirational quotes from not only legendary sports figures such as Muhammad Ali, but also local heroes such as former Bellarmine President Joseph J. McGowan.
"As a university, we couldn't be more pleased with how everything has worked out," said Bellarmine Vice President for Development and Alumni Affairs Glenn Kosse. "The project was a great collaborative effort between many departments on campus, and the end result was a new campus center that is worthy of the name Bradford T. Ray. We are certainly indebted to the leadership and generosity of Brad and Stacy Ray."
The official ribbon-cutting was held in the conjunction with the university's "Knight of Knights" dinner, at which Bellarmine recognizes an individual for outstanding service by "knighting" him or her as "Bellarmine Knight." This year's event, which was held Oct. 16, featured Ray as the honoree.
