Madeline Diamond

Contributing Writer

The University will soon begin construction on a new wrestling center and athletics leadership facility east of the existing athletic center complex.

As part of his May 1 update to the Board of Trustees, University President John Bravman included information regarding a $9 million gift to the University from trustees Bill Dearstyne ’62 and Bill Graham ’62. The donation will completely fund the project, which will be finished in December 2014.

The facility will house a new training space for the men’s wrestling team and will total 16,887 square feet and two stories, according to plans recently approved by the East Buffalo Township Planning Commission.

“I am excited about the facility and this will provide a huge boost for our wrestling program,” wrestling head coach Dan Wirnsberger said.

In addition to the wrestling space, the project will also include an athletics leadership facility. This area will include gathering space for co-curricular activities, as well as room for seminars and classrooms.

“The most exciting piece is the leadership portion of the building, which provides a fantastic opportunity for our student athletes to grow into future leaders in their athletic and professional endeavors,” Wirnsberger said.