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SOUTH HADLEY, Mass. (March 16, 2011) – Mount Holyoke College is pleased to announce that final renovations to the weight room in the Kendall Sports and Dance Complex were recently completed. Branded The Lyons Den, the facility will allow student-athletes to better prepare for competition and rehabilitate injuries throughout the year.

It will be open to physical education classes, varsity teams and competitive club sport teams. When not in use by one of those groups, Kendall members will be permitted to use the space.

"We are excited to open the newly renovated Lyons Den for our student-athletes," said Director of Athletics Laurie Priest. "This facility is equipped with the most up-to-date fitness and strength training equipment and will certainly be a place to provide our athletes the chance to take their training to the next level."

The project was funded through a generous donation by College Trustee David Wilson. A longtime advocate for athletics at Mount Holyoke, Wilson had also contributed to several other facility improvements over the past several years.

"We appreciate David Wilson and his family for their support to make this a reality," said Priest. David understands the importance of sports and competition in the lives of women, and we are indebted to his ongoing involvement in helping our athletes to achieve excellence."

Since construction began in December, the weight room has been completely overhauled. Included in the improvements were brighter lighting, a new rubber floor, a new sound system, additional mirrors and a new whiteboard. In addition, the lobby leading into the 2,670 square foot facility was updated with new lighting, fresh carpeting and a drop ceiling. Wooden benches were also added to the space.

After structural enhancements were completed, the facility was outfitted with all new LifeFitness and Iron Grip equipment.

• (3) Olympic Power Racks
• (1) Smith Press
• (1) Iso-Lateral Leg Press – Plate Loaded
• (1) Seated Row - Plate Loaded
• (1) Lat Pulldown
• (1) Assisted Dip/Chin
• (2) Motion Dual Adjustable Pulleys
• (1) Back Extension
• (1) Leg Raise
• (2) Dumbbell Sets
• Plates
• Olympic Bars and Collars
• Physio Balls
• Plyo Boxes
• Body Bars
• Sit-up/Stretching Mats
• Kettle Bells

Equipment that previously occupied the weight room was donated to South Hadley High School.

With 325 varsity athletes and 300 competitive club athletes, Mount Holyoke is committed to supporting its athletes and fitness enthusiasts. A $15.6 million priority of the recently completed Campaign for Mount Holyoke was to update the College's athletic venues. The plan has resulted in a variety of state-of-the art facilities, which meet the fitness needs of the College community.

• Turf and Track Complex (2007)
• Soccer Field Upgrades (2007)
• Activity Field Upgrades (2007)
• Natatorium Renovation (2008)
• Kendall Sports and Dance Complex Renovation (2009)
• Fitness Center (2009)
• Dance Studios (2009)
• Boathouse (2010)