The weight room at Blue Valley is a key part to many sports teams’ off-season training. However, much of the equipment available to the student-athletes is falling apart or broken. Now, student-athletes, coaches and the BV community have come together to give the 10-year-old weight room a new look.

“[We want to] update some of the equipment to current industry standards and spread some things out, create more space [and] create more flexibility for various activities,” said Eric Driskell, head football coach and weights teacher.

Over the years, student athletes who have used the weight room have not left the equipment in good condition. Plans to make the weight room bigger and more technologically advanced are at the top of the list of improvements.

“It’s been almost 10 years since the weight room was renovated, and the equipment is worn out,” said Susie Gurley, the parent in charge of renovations and fundraising. “Mirrors have been cracked, benches have been ripped and dumbbells have started to rust.”

The organizers in charge of planning the weight room renovations hope to raise $80,000 in two separate phases. Fundraising includes private donations from parents and the BV community and events such as Fall Sports Night, where athletes generated $10,000 for the cause by selling tickets for dinner from Two Guys and a Grill. There is also a private donor matching the total amount raised to help reach the goal.

Renovations are planned to begin December 2016 and should only take a few weeks to complete.

The new motto for athletics at BV is “bigger, faster and stronger.” Student-athletes view the weight room as a place for becoming better athletes and also as a place where they can grow as a family.

“The best part about the weight room is working hard with a lot of your friends and teammates, knowing that you are improving yourself for the upcoming season,” said senior Zack Willis, varsity center for the football team. “New changes will really help anyone who is using the weight room to become a better athlete, which is always the goal our coaches have in mind.”