With ever-expanding teams that have achieved monumental success, Sterling High School is pleased to announce a new addition to its campus that will benefit all S.H.S. students. The Student Recreation and Training Facility is being built to support the ever-changing needs and goals of the students of S.H.S. In addition to this building, there will be adjustments to current facilities, and the benefits for students go far beyond just a place to train and perform.
The new facilities that will be added are 65,000 square feet of student recreation and performance space, three regulation wood basketball courts with volleyball connectivity, 60-yard by 55-yard indoor turf field, new weight room (approximately 4,500 square feet), golf simulator room, two hitting and pitching tunnels, and a recovery room with cold tubs and training tables.
There will also be adjustments to current facilities as part of this project. These adjustments will be converting ¾ of the current eight room into additional wrestling practice area, leave ¼ of the current weight room intact to support wrestling weight training, move nine weight racks and supporting equipment to the Musgrove Fieldhouse balcony to support in-season weight training for basketball and volleyball, move four stationary and two treadmills to wrestling area, move bikes and four treadmills to the new weight room at the performance and training center, and finally convert the old P.E. classroom into a locker room for girls wrestling.
This announcement proves how dedicated S.H.S. is to improving opportunities for all students. By making these changes and adding a whole new facility, the school is investing in the growth and success of its students. The addition of new courts, new turf fields, and weight rooms just shows how much effort is really being put into building stronger athletic programs and giving all sports access to better equipment.
Principal Jason Austin said, “The indoor athletic and performance facilities at Sterling High School were built in 1948. Since that time S.H.S. has added twice the number of programs and students who participate in extracurricular activities. The new facility will provide space for marching band to practice during the school day and all sports for both in-season and off- season training before and after school. This addition coupled with adjustments to current wrestling, and weight room facilities will position S.H.S. students for success for decades to come.”
A project of this magnitude must balance the needs for students, but also manage the finances necessary to complete such a building. Sterling Public Schools Director of Finance Matt Birdsley added, “Overall, the feedback I have heard from students, staff, and the community have been that they are very excited for SHS students and the Sterling Community for this project. The questions I get from the community is how are we paying for it and will this raise their taxes? This will not raise property taxes. We are able to strategically bond the money necessary for the entire three-year facility plan without increasing property taxes. The Recreation Center is being paid for by sales tax revenue. The other question I am asked is when will construction start? Construction is scheduled to begin the week of October 27 with substantial completion by September of 2026. The completion date could vary depending on the weather.”
With this project, S.H.S. once again show it is willing to go the extra mile to support its student-athletes.
