There are high school basketball programs in the state of Indiana that have an auxiliary gym and various practice facilities, but the biggest and best basketball program in the state must practice on the same floor that they play on. What's wrong with this picture? With last week's announcement by the athletics department that a revamping was going to be considered for the area surrounding Assembly Hall and Memorial Stadium, the department is taking the right steps to bring IU back into the national scene of athletics programs. For years it has been known that the athletics department has need for another facility to house all of its student athletes' practice facilities. Previous athletic director Clarence Donniger has said in interviews with the IDS and other media outlets that the one dire need for this strong program, including football attendance and seating for men's basketball games at Assembly Hall, is for an all-encompassing practice facility. Donniger worked for it and now McNeely is getting it. Current athletic director Michael McNeely is making sure that the volleyball and wrestling teams no longer have to travel to 10th and the by-pass for practice and competition. No longer will the baseball and softball teams have to play on fields that are better used for dorm lounging than NCAA Division-I competition. The new additions will create an atmosphere conducive to the student athlete and set a positive image for future freshmen who are considering IU as their college of choice. Also needed are the renovations being done to Memorial Stadium. While there are some skeptics to the additional seating since there haven't been many sellouts at the current capacity, the addition of the seats and suites will allow IU to become closer to competing with the football powerhouses such as Michigan, Ohio State and Penn State. The greatest part of this all is the funding. The entire project, expected to take five to 10 years to complete, is going to be funded by individual donors. No tax dollars or University spending will be included in the budget of this massive renovation. There is an excitement in the air surrounding IU athletics. With the program's success of the past year, finishing 28th in the Sear's Cup standings (the highest ever), and a certain unexpected trip to the National Championship game, the program is abuzz. The renovations are necessary. It's time for the athletics department to get itself back into competition with the nation's elite. McNeely's new vision only helps propel the program to the top.
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