As students walked around campus today, Jan. 21, for the start of the spring semester — many awaited the grand opening of the new McCann athletic center. By 4 p.m., students were leaking out of the main entrance of the new building waiting for the ribbon cutting ceremony.

Replacing the old 25,000 square foot athletic center, the new McCann center features 60,000 square feet with a weight room, a fitness room, an indoor track, a turf field, two basketball courts, three multi-purpose fitness rooms, a cafe/lounge area, and a roof deck.

“I was thrilled with the interest and enthusiasm that our students showed with the new building,” said Tim Murray, Director of Marist Athletics. “I hope that the excitement continues throughout the semester so that we get the most use out of the building.”

With more space and amenities, students and student-athletes are excited to experience the improved athletic facilities.

Prior to the ribbon cutting, Murray, spoke to students and the public about the impact the new McCann will have for the community, noting the immense student turnout and energy brought with it.

The McCann Center renovation was funded by the James J. McCann Charitable Trust with a $2 million dollar grant. Established in 1969, the trust has helped fund many improvements in the Poughkeepsie area.

The trust has specifically helped fund projects at Marist in the Lowell Thomas communications building, the James A. Cannavino Library, the athletic center and various parking lots.

Not only was Murray excited, but students got to tour the space for the first time and were shocked by the space and amenities. Students quickly took to the basketball courts, fitness rooms, turf, and indoor track.

Vin Manna and Daniel Czop of the men's Track and Field Team were happy to use the new space.

“Being a member of the Track and field team, I am excited that we get our own space,” Manna said. “I am also excited that I can get a smoothie after practice if I wanted to.”

Only being open for about one hour, Czop could be found on the second floor weight room with many other students getting in his second workout of the day. He was smiling the entire time, happy to be using the new facilities.

“I am excited for the potential of the new facility,” said Czop. “With the new turf fields and large open spaces, there is an unprecedented ability for athletes to continue training indoors despite terrible weather conditions that Poughkeepsie is sometimes known for.”

The new center was already being used by students for games of basketball, spike ball, and can jam. In the entrance, students could be found sitting at cafe tables enjoying food and drinks.

The center is also offering fitness classes six days a week like yoga, zumba, and boxing. Students have many new opportunities to take advantage of in the new McCann center.

State-of-the-Art McCann Athletic Center Now Open

MARIST CIRCLE