Since 2016-2017 one of the constants at MV has been the Changnon Gymnasium floor. 

This constant changed over the summer as Admin decided to introduce a new stained hardwood floor for the gym.

This move comes as a safety precaution for the betterment of our athletes, looking to improve the grip on the floor, among other things.

“The old floor needed to be upgraded for several reasons. The most important change was a different floor coating that is tackier and has better grip than the old surface,” said Lady Rams head basketball coach Jeff Lonnon.

“The gym floor has been slick at times and was showing some wear. Everyone involved wanted to make sure the gym floor was safe and also looked good,” stated Rams head basketball coach Tim Holloway.

With the former design not being too old, it makes you wonder why we would introduce something new.

“It’s an upgrade from the old surface. It has a better grip and has a fresh new look that is more modern,” stated Lonnon.

“The new floor has an oil-based finish as opposed to the water-based finish it previously had. The new floor is similar to the old Changnon floor at the old campus in that regard. It should be better for our athletes and much easier to take care of and maintain,” described Holloway.

When it comes to a decision as large as creating an entirely new design for your main gym, it is important to gain other’s opinions.

“Many different versions were drawn up and distributed to our Athletic Director and Admin team. Many of our current athletes go to choose their favorite design and then a final version was picked by the Athletic Director and Administration,” described Lonnon.

“There were many people involved in the design of the new floor. It has a clean look similar to many new school or college gym floors,” said Holloway.

After the decision was made on the final design, it took approximately four weeks for the floor to be finished.

With a new turf field, outdoor learning center/concession stand, and now a gym floor, it feels MV is trying to build a new identity for its sports teams.

“The athletic facilities are an important ingredient in creating the ‘face’ of any school. This upgrade to our floor will be sure to help in this regard. As will the addition of a new concession stand and bathroom facility for our football stadium. A special shout-out should go to Mr. Seth English. He worked very hard to make all of these improvements a reality,” described Lonnon.

We at the Vernois News Sports Department are hoping for a safe future for athletics with this new addition to campus.