Story by MAYAN PAZ Photo by RORY MOORE
Tiger Media Network
Fort Hays State University’s Gross Memorial Coliseum was built in 1973 and is home to the Tigers’ volleyball and basketball teams. Besides those teams, the Coliseum hosts graduation ceremonies, summer camps, and other large events organized by the university. For the past 50 years, a major flaw in the building was the lack of an air conditioning system, which caused discomfort among athletes, students, and spectators. This past year, the long overdue project to install an air conditioning system finally began.
FHSU Athletic Director Curtis Hammeke explained the decision to finally get this project started.
“We wanted to do this for many years, but we never had the chance and the money to do so,” Hammeke said. “After COVID happened, we received a substantial grant that allowed us to initiate this project.”
The work was scheduled to start immediately after last year’s graduation ceremonies, but it took a few weeks until the project actually started. The few-week delay caused some concern among the athletic teams that are using the Coliseum, as their ability to host home games as scheduled was put into question. Eventually, the volleyball team had to practice in various locations for the start of the season but was able to host their first home tournament as scheduled, even though the installment of the air conditioning system wasn’t complete.
“We knew that something like this might happen,” Hammeke said. “And, of course, we had some complaints from the volleyball and basketball teams when they weren’t able to practice in the Coliseum. But eventually, everybody knew that we had a common goal, and I’m very glad that we are still able to start the volleyball season on time without finding an alternative venue.”
A few alternative solutions were considered, including hosting the first tournament in Salina or at Hays Public Schools. Fortunately, the work progress allowed the first tournament to take place at the Coliseum even though the team had barely practiced in the arena prior to the tournament.
FHSU Volleyball Head Coach Jessica Wood-Atkins addressed the difficulties of moving around and not having a regular practice schedule.
“I think that this team has been able to look at this in the right mindset. Yeah, our practice schedule has been all over the place and we have not been able to keep a consistent schedule. This team has went through the adversity, and it’s really paying off,” Wood-Atkins said.
According to Wood-Atkins, there were other ways of turning the uncomfortable situation into a learning experience that would help the team in the future.
“Being able to play in all these gyms in the community has really helped us,” she said. “I think that playing in other schools has given us the opportunity to look at gyms we go at for matches and saying its just another gym.”
Another concern was the state of the hardwood floor in the Coliseum. According to Hammeke, it seems like the concern was for nothing.
“We had a lot of concerns regarding the effect of the heavy machines that were used during the project and stood on top of the floor, but we checked everything, and we are good to move forward and play in the Coliseum,” he said.
The air conditioning system has yet to be operated, and during the first volleyball tournament, the familiar hot air in the Coliseum caused the same usual discomfort that is well known to the Coliseum guests. However, that should be the last time players and spectators have to deal with the heat. Official tests of the system are scheduled for this week, and as the next home volleyball contest is scheduled for October 4, officials believe the system should be up and running by then.