Jul 10, 2013 3 min read

After nearly three decades of use, one of the most pivotal parts of the Waynesburg University basketball program is being replaced.

The polyurethane all-purpose floor at the Rudy Marisa Fieldhouse is giving way to a new hardwood floor. The new court, which should be ready for use at the end of this month, is part of the ongoing renovation process at Waynesburg University, and another step to improve campus athletic facilities.

“That floor is 27, 28, 29 years old,” said Waynesburg athletic director Larry Marshall. “It was showing some wear. It’s been coming. The university has been upgrading the facilities.”

The football stadium was upgraded in 1998, complete with seating for 4,000 and an on-site locker room. Seven years later, artificial turf was installed. A few years ago, work was completed on a new baseball field with an artificial turf infield, new tennis courts and a softball field.

The old gymnasium floor – a rubber-like surface that was popular in the 1980s because it was durable – provided a softer surface that lessened the impact on one’s body and could be used for multiple sports.

Other college gymnasiums in the area, such as those at the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown and Frostburg State, used the rubber-composite floor. Many Division I schools did, too.

“I really appreciate the effort of the president, the board of trustees and the administration for making improving the facilities a priority,” said Waynesburg men’s basketball coach Mark Christner. “I’m thankful they got this done this summer. There were a lot of good memories on that old floor.”

The one that stands out most for Christner was a 67-64 victory Jan. 19 over Bethany, a power in the Presidents’ Athletic Conference.

“It was my biggest win to date,” said Christner. “The floor doesn’t make a huge difference; talent does.”

Christner said the old floor was a “little easier on the legs. From the floor standpoint, it was a little softer landing.”

Marshall said the old floor was easy to care for and had some unique qualities.

“You could drop a coin on it, and it would bounce,” he said.

Interestingly, the old floor was not removed. It sits beneath the new hardwood. That made the gymnasium floor about a couple inches higher than it used to be.

“Back in its day, schools wanted an all-surface floor,” Marshall said. “Anymore, they are going away from that.”

Prior to the laying of the floor, renovations were done to the lobby and restrooms of the fieldhouse.

“(At Waynesburg), they don’t wait until something falls apart,” Marshall said. “They have a timetable for it (to be repaired or renovated).”

Christner said the basketball players will probably get a chance to use the new floor by Aug. 1, when the open gym sessions are held. The volleyball team will play the first varsity competition on it Wednesday, Sept. 4 against Mt. Aloysius College.

“(The school) has done some nice things for us,” said Christner. “Everyone likes something new.”