Building athletics

Top: Jonathan Hoffman ’01 (civil engineering technology), a project engineer for The Pike Co., observes work on the competition pool in the new Gordon Field House and Activities Center. Bottom: The facility’s multi-purpose area will accommodate 8,000 people. Photos by fourth year photojournalism major Christopher Zajac.

Athletics is a key part of many RIT student experiences and a hook on which to hang RIT Pride. The RIT Athletics Association supports athletic teams and coaches through efforts such as RIT student athlete recognition, organizing “friends” events like the Tiger Open, and building the Athletic Association Endowment. These initiatives help to build positive relationships with current athletes, alumni athletes and parents.

The efforts of the association and the Office of Development are bringing about many great changes for RIT athletes. Construction of the Gordon Field House, opening this spring, and the artificial turf field that was recently completed are two prime examples. Other initiatives underway include expanding Athletic Association Board membership, expanding Athletic Association membership as a whole, increasing the reach and activities of the association, investigating creation of endowments for some coaching positions, and raising funds for athletics facilities, equipment and support.

If you are the parent of an athlete, a former RIT athlete yourself, or just a fan of RIT athletic teams, please consider supporting the efforts of the Athletic Association. Contact Gene Peluso, Assistant Director for Development, 585-475-2131, or e-mail him at coachpeluso@hotmail.com.

For more information on the RIT Athletic Association, please visit http://www.rit.edu/~ritaa/.