Wednesday, April 23, 2025 301 View all Fort Lewis College news FLC Unveils $6M CommonSpirit Sports Performance Center The state-of-the-art, 10,000 sq. ft. facility serves 500 student-athletes and, starting in the fall, members of the Student Life Center. The state-of-the-art, 10,000 sq. ft. facility serves 500 student-athletes and, starting in the fall, members of the Student Life Center. BY THE NUMBERS 10,000-square-foot facility 2,000 sq feet for the mezzanine $6 million FEATURES 24 weight racks 10 weight machines 6 treadmills 3 rowers 3 bikes 2 stair steppers 1-- 250 square-feet Nutrition and Fueling Station providing —for free— pre/mid/post workout snacks and beverages to student-athletes. Sponsored by Durango Coca-Cola DURANGO, Colo. — After two years of planning, fundraising, and major renovations, Fort Lewis College has officially unveiled the new CommonSpirit Sports Performance Center—a $6 million, 10,000-square-foot facility designed to elevate the student-athlete experience and eventually serve the entire campus community. "This is a massive improvement for the college and for our student-athletes," said Alec Munro, assistant athletic director of Sports Performance and Wellness. "It really sets a precedent for the kind of experience we want to provide. Now we have everything—from cutting-edge cardio and rehab equipment to individualized programming and tech-driven training spaces." The new facility includes 24 weight racks, six treadmills, three rowing machines, three bikes, two stair steppers, ten weight machines, and a 250-square-foot fuel station sponsored by Durango Coca-Cola. It also includes a turf area supported by Alpine Bank, and an Academic Achievement wall recognizing student-athletes who achieve a 3.5 GPA, supported by the Morehart family. A key feature of the design is its flexible training layout—divided into quadrants that can accommodate multiple teams simultaneously or host full-squad sessions for programs like football, which has up to 140 student-athletes. "We’ve never had cardio and rehab equipment like this before, and very few Division II colleges get resources like our fuel station. The opportunities now are endless," Munro added. The 2,000-square-foot mezzanine has also been transformed into a multi-use space with seating for 190. It will be used for academic support, team meetings, film review and more—supporting student-athletes holistically in both their physical and academic development. “This facility is a game-changer for Fort Lewis College. It’s not just a space—it’s a symbol of how deeply we’re committed to our student-athletes’ growth, performance, and wellbeing,” said Director of Athletics Travis Whipple. “It’s a one-stop shop for wellness, strength and conditioning, cardio, rehab, nutrition—and then upstairs you have academic support services. It really is focused on our mission: graduating champions.” Whipple reflected on the building’s transformation over time—from a former basketball arena and community pool to its current form. “This building has seen so much. JFK spoke here. It’s hosted countless events and athletic competitions. And now, with the CommonSpirit Sports Performance Center, we’re writing the next chapter that centers on student performance, wellness and success.” Early in April, FLC celebrated a grand opening, with around 200 donors and community partners gathered at the center. The project was made possible through strong community support, including the lead donation from CommonSpirit Mercy Hospital, generous donations from Alpine Bank, Durango Coca-Cola, and numerous alumni and supporters. Melissa Mount, Vice President for Advancement at FLC, called it a testament to community investment. “The generosity of our community made this incredible facility a reality. It was built by the community, for the community.” "At Mercy Hospital, and throughout CommonSpirit Health, we talk a lot about our Vision of building a healthier future for all - driven by innovation. But for me, it’s not just talk — it’s something I truly believe in," said Josh Neff, CommonSpirit Mercy Hospital President. "The CommonSpirit Sports Performance Center at Fort Lewis College is a perfect example of what that future can look like. It’s a space where innovation meets purpose, and where young people can grow stronger not just physically, but mentally and emotionally, too. We know that movement, connection, and community play a huge role in not only physical but also in mental health. Partnering with Fort Lewis College on this incredible Sports Performance Center is one more way we’re helping the community we serve live fuller, healthier lives — and I couldn’t be more proud to be part of it." Students are already celebrating the upgrade. “It’s amazing,” said Cali Niccum, a student and softball player. “This is what you dream of as a student-athlete—an incredible area where you can lift, recover, and do all the things. I’m super excited about it.” “Everything we need is right here now,” added Thomas Bearden, an offensive lineman with FLC’s football team who was formerly in student-government. “This place isn’t just a facility, it’s a game-changer for Fort Lewis Athletics.” The center will initially serve FLC’s 500 student-athletes, and administrators plan to expand access to those who are members of the Student Life Center when school resumes in Fall 2025.