Huntington University breaks ground on new outdoor basketball court

President G. Blair Dowden breaks ground for
the new outdoor basketball court.
The new outdoor basketball court will be located
near the tennis courts on campus.
Carita Landes, right, senior class president,
speaks during the groundbreaking ceremony on
Monday. At left is Rob Hahn, student body president,
and President G. Blair Dowden, center.
The seniors enjoy the court after the ceremony
on Monday.

HUNTINGTON, Ind. - Huntington University broke ground today on a new outdoor basketball court. The court, which will be used for campus recreational purposes, is a gift from the senior class.

"I am so happy to see our goal accomplished of an outdoor basketball court," said Carita Landes, senior class president. "The Senior Senate members have put in so much effort to achieve this realization, and it's nice to see all of your effort paid off."

President G. Blair Dowden and Chris Dowden, first lady of the university, were present to accept the gift.

"The university is honored to receive such a wonderful gift from the Class of 2011. This basketball court will be a great addition to the campus, and will provide numerous recreational opportunities for students in the years to come," President Dowden said.

The court will be located next to the Klopfenstein Tennis Courts on the southwest side of the Merillat Physical Education and Recreation Complex. The court is a full-size court with two hoops.

The majority of cost of the basketball court was paid for by the senior class with the support of the Student Senate and the Student Activities Board. The remaining balance was raised through efforts of the Advancement Office and local businesses.

The project will be completed by Ironclad Excavating in Roanoke, Ind., with the help of a generous gift from Ironclad's owners, Jenny and Junior Geiger.

The basketball court will be finished this summer.