Temple University Athletics
Construction Begins on New Women's Gymnastics Practice Facility
8.26.15 | Women's Gymnastics
PHILADELPHIA – Temple women's gymnastics has announced the official start of construction on its new practice facility. The facility will remain in newly-renovated McGonigle Hall and is predicted to be complete by November, 2015.
"This really adds to the whole vision that Dr. Kraft has for improving athletics here at Temple and having a showcase gym for gymnastics is definitely something that will help us attract higher level recruits," said head coach Umme Salim-Beasley.
The facility will cover approximately 8,500 square feet and include large designated areas for each event, as well as a raised platform that will house a large trampoline, TumblTrak, floor tumbling strip, single uneven bar rail, and full uneven bar set that will sit over large foam pits. "Being able to train on the soft surfaces is going to be so helpful," said Salim-Beasley regarding the major benefits of a new facility. "The gymnastics season is so long and when you're having to constantly pound your body, it is so beneficial to be able to save your body for a meet day by doing routines on soft surfaces during the week."
Office spaces for the staff and a designated cardio area will also be housed within the facility. "The excitement is there seeing every little step each day and how things are changing. When I came in last week and saw the ceiling getting painted it was really exciting," added Salim-Beasley. "That is going to be the inspiration for a lot of the girls this fall, knowing that very soon we'll be in a different space."
Women's gymnastics begins its official practices on September 18 and will look to transition into the new space before the season begins in January, 2016.
"This really adds to the whole vision that Dr. Kraft has for improving athletics here at Temple and having a showcase gym for gymnastics is definitely something that will help us attract higher level recruits," said head coach Umme Salim-Beasley.
The facility will cover approximately 8,500 square feet and include large designated areas for each event, as well as a raised platform that will house a large trampoline, TumblTrak, floor tumbling strip, single uneven bar rail, and full uneven bar set that will sit over large foam pits. "Being able to train on the soft surfaces is going to be so helpful," said Salim-Beasley regarding the major benefits of a new facility. "The gymnastics season is so long and when you're having to constantly pound your body, it is so beneficial to be able to save your body for a meet day by doing routines on soft surfaces during the week."
Office spaces for the staff and a designated cardio area will also be housed within the facility. "The excitement is there seeing every little step each day and how things are changing. When I came in last week and saw the ceiling getting painted it was really exciting," added Salim-Beasley. "That is going to be the inspiration for a lot of the girls this fall, knowing that very soon we'll be in a different space."
Women's gymnastics begins its official practices on September 18 and will look to transition into the new space before the season begins in January, 2016.
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