Students getting pumped about $224,000 in fitness equipment

The Unit 1 School District’s makeover of the high school fitness/weight room will include $224,000 in new equipment.

“We have a lot of kids that come through that weight room daily, throughout the summer, athletics and just the daily courses. So we’re trying to create a space that was inclusive for kids of all levels,” said Brad Boresi, the school’s dean of students and assistant athletic director.

Plans for the weight room makeover began in December and the transformation started over spring break. Boresi saying the students are excited for the changes that are taking place.

Last month the Board of Education approved a bid for new flooring and last week it accepted the $224,729.97 equipment cost from Direct Fitness Solutions.

Boresi said the equipment selected will serve the needs of all students, noting that some of the pieces are handicapped accessible.
“The final project is going to be exactly what we want and serve our kids exactly how we want it to,” Boresi said.

Plans for the space were developed by the district’s athletic directors and representatives from the athletic department, with assistance from Coal City alum Joe Kessler, who serves as the strength and conditioning coach for the Cleveland Indians.

Renovations to the space are expected to be completed by the start of the new school year.