GREENVILLE, S.C. -- The newly renovated Furman University Athletics Strength Training and Conditioning Center got its big reveal Monday morning in front of many Paladin student-athletes it will serve and Furman University President Dr. Elizabeth Davis.

After meeting a successful $500,000 fundraising goal made possible by primary donors Melvin Younts of Fountain Inn, S.C., Angie and Sam Kelly of Greenville, S.C., Christopher and Perrie Tomlin of Mountain Brook, Ala., and one anonymous benefactor, renovations began in December and were completed this past week prior to return of Furman students for second semester.

"We are truly grateful for the passion and generosity of our donors in support of this beautifully modern Furman Athletics Strength Training and Conditioning Center," said Furman athletics director Jason Donnelly.  "First class student-athlete wellness, training, and conditioning are priorities for our department and impact our ability to compete at an elite level nationally.  This facility, coupled with coach Andrew Bernardi and his outstanding staff, give us that capability."

The 7,000-square-foot renovated center in Timmons Arena features new Sorinex rack systems for more time-efficient, programmed workouts at single stations and new industry standard PLAE rubber flooring with in-lay platforms, ensuring improved safety and efficiency.  

Other major benefits include additional space giving student-athletes more room for warm-up, agility, and plyometrics; improved scheduling capability allowing Furman's 450 student-athletes representing the university's 20 intercollegiate sports to be more economical with time management demands associated with academics and participation in the Furman Advantage; and strengthened recruiting appeal and coaching staff ability to develop and retain NCAA Division I talent.

Teams with large squad numbers such as football will now be able to train at one time rather than in three groups and also utilize the facility for activity and complete walk-thru sessions in the event of inclement weather.

The facility also features a new graphics package highlighting Furman's championship tradition that includes 100 Southern Conference regular season championships, 126 league tournament crowns, 115 NCAA Tournament appearances, and two national championships.

The renovated Furman Strength Training and Conditioning Center is the latest in a number of high profile facility improvements undertaken in recent years by the university in support of its athletics program.  Others include men's lacrosse locker room renovation/expansion; new videoboards in Paladin Stadium and Timmons Arena; track resurfacing and construction of the "Blue Shoes Track House"  at the Belk Complex for Track & Field; and the addition of 880 permanent seats at Latham Baseball Stadium.