NSU Horizons Fall 2006

“We now have access to fitness facilities, locker rooms for every sport, a team lounge and study hall, training rooms, a press room, and a state-of-the-art equipment room. This is as good as it gets,” Momminey added. “Undoubtedly, this will create a competitive recruiting advantage.” With the men’s basketball team coming off its best season ever, he hopes to motivate the on-campus students to attend games. His plan for encouraging student-attendance includes great basketball coupled with an aggressive schedule of special events and promotions. The first event, Midnight Madness, was atteneded by hundreds of NSU Shark Finatics. The University Center is also the home of NSU’s sports medicine program. Its goal is to become a center of excel- lence where local athletes, as well as college and professional athletes here in South Florida during the off-season, can get medical care, according to Eric Shamus, Ph.D., assistant professor of osteopathic principles and practice. Athletes served by the program will come to the University Center for digital radiology, stress tests, endurance tests, pre-employment and team physicals, and computer- ized strength testing. A multidisciplinary approach involves physical therapy, psychology, and sports nutrition. a fusion facility University Center’s architect, Roland Lempke of Cannon Associates of Washington, D.C., calls this a “fusion” building because it bundles recreation, athletics, student life, and the Because of its strategic location and versatility, the University Center adds an element to the college experience that was previously missing at NSU. Students now have a bright and comfortable environment in which to relax with friends, grab a burger or a drink, find entertainment, exercise, play organized sports or casually shoot hoops, and even attend some classes. They also have a place to see and be seen—the perfect addition to a relatively young university that is help- ing to build a vibrant sense of community and pride. The NSU campus and the general public will have access to a stream of diverse events ranging from exciting NCAA athletic contests and rock shows to thought-provoking guest speakers, receptions, dinners, and theatrical performances. “If the soul of the University is our state-of-the-art library next door,” said George L. Hanbury II, Ph.D., NSU’s execu- tive vice president and chief operating officer, “then its heart is the University Center.” The arena allows the men’s and women’s basketball teams and women’s volleyball team to play on-campus for the first time ever. At the same time, all 13 of NSU’s NCAA Division II sports teams will benefit from the immediate availability of a comprehensive athletic training and sports medicine pro- gram and cardiovascular and strength-training facilities. “The arena will be one of the best, if not the best, venues at the Sunshine State Conference, a great complement to the first class outdoor facilities we already have,” said Michael Momminey, NSU director of athletics. Continued on page 36 horizons 17 Continued from page 15