Life University (LIFE) hosted a groundbreaking ceremony on the morning of Friday, June 18 for its new Running Eagles Performance (REP) Center and Upper Field. Attendees included Mayor Steve Tumlin, City of Marietta; Cheryl Richardson, City of Marietta Councilwoman – Ward 1; Zach Kerns, Member of the Cobb Travel and Tourism Board of Directors; and Mandy Burton, Vice President of Member Development, Cobb Chamber of Commerce; along with members of LIFE’s Board of Trustees and Leadership team.
LIFE will be making significant additions to its outdoor athletics complex over the course of the next year, making it one of the premier small college athletic facilities across the country and one of the best sports facilities in metro Atlanta. The upgraded facilities are expected to not only meet the infrastructure needs of the University’s more than 550 student-athletes, but also prepare for additional growth in the future. Upon the completion of the project, LIFE’s student-athletes will be able to train and compete daily in first-class facilities that will aid in their athletic development.
Facility improvements and additions include:
- 14,000 square-foot, multi-use facility overlooking Lupo Family Field that features a dedicated wrestling practice room, a strength & conditioning space, locker rooms, offices and athletic training space.
- A state-of-the-art PFS 52-T SF artificial turf system manufactured by Pro Form Sports.
- A 12’50” by 25’8.25” LED Multi-Sports Scoring and Video Screen Scoreboard with audio capabilities manufactured by Fortmetco.
LIFE officially broke ground on the turf project earlier in June, and the multi-use facility will begin construction in October. All upgrades are expected to be complete by June 2022. The additions and upgrades come on the heels of a 2019 renovation of Life University’s track, which still remains one of the few eight-lane tracks in metro Atlanta.
“There’s no better symbolism to mark the thriving of Life University than to erect a new building on our campus,” remarked Life University President Dr. Rob Scott. “This is so much more than just a new building. It’s truly symbolic of our commitment to our students and student-athletes, and our way of ensuring that we meet their needs on this campus so that they have an environment and facilities to continue their success.”
Speaking of that success, Dr. Scott also pointed out the remarkable achievements of LIFE’s athletic programs, both on the field and in the classroom. Of its 550 student-athletes on campus, 310 made the AD Academic Honor Roll in the past quarter after maintaining a 3.0 GPA or higher in their courses. This past year, the Men’s Wrestling program won its first NAIA National Championship. The Athletic Department also had four more team/individual National Championships, six team/individual National Runner-Ups, 35 All-American honorees and a National Coach of the Year recipient.
“We are remarkably grateful that Life University and our community can see this project coming to fruition after everything we as a community here on campus and in Georgia have been through,” said Dr. Scott. “We are very thankful that you are a part of this as we break ground, moving Life University into the future and providing a great facility for future champions here on Life University’s campus.”
For more information on Life University Athletics, visit LIFERunningEagles.com.
For more information about Life University, visit LIFE.edu.
