Leatherneck Football Unveils New Locker Room Renovation

Western showcases newest facility enhancement

PHOTO GALLERY

MACOMB, Ill. – Facilities and amenities are on the forefront of collegiate athletics. So when he had the opportunity last Saturday following the squad's sixth spring football practice, Leatherneck head coach Charlie Fisher decided to give his student-athletes and coaching staff a tour of the program's newest facility enhancement.

A two month project is coming to a close this week with the renovation to the football program's locker room.

Gone are the former red metal lockers and worn out carpet. Brand new custom designed wood lockers – 107 to be exact - and new carpeting with the Western Illinois logo highlighted in the middle of the room are getting the final touches put on as the team is getting ready to move back into their locker room.

"This is part of our larger strategic plan we have for our locker room facilities in particular. Our student-athletes spend a lot of time in these spaces and we've made a concerted effort to improve those across the board for all our sport programs. I'm pleased we've been able to get this done for our football program," said Western Illinois Athletic Director Matt Tanney.

Fisher noted how important this enhancement is to the program.

"When you walk in it's an awesome facility. You have to tip your hat to our administration and our supporters to make this happen. This is an absolute first class facility," said Fisher. "It's something our entire university, our former players, our current players, everybody can be proud of. It's a beautiful locker room and we're excited to be moving into it. I've seen the progress all the way through. It has been exciting to see this unfold."

Current assistant coach Deion Melvin was impressed when he took the tour and noted how much this means to the program and is a source of pride not only for the current players but former players like himself.

"I'm speechless, it's outstanding. First time getting a chance to come through and see it. Everyone will be proud to know they have something like this… sponsors, boosters, former players who have given back in order to build something like this for the players," said Melvin.

According to senior offensive lineman Jacob Judd, "When I first came here, it wasn't much… Seeing all of this now, it just makes me so much more appreciative of the things we get here. This is such a huge step for us and our program."

For information on how to donate to this locker room project or for future Leatherneck Athletic projects, call Michael Jones at (309) 298-1190, or via email at M-Jones2@wiu.edu.

Locker Room Facility Renovation Quick Facts
- 107 lockers
- Design was based off LA Rams training facility lockers
- Construction was done by CAD Construction in Tremont, Illinois
- List Industries Inc. built the lockers Deerfield Beach, Florida
- Carpet and logos produced by Enhanced Carpet and Matting

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Players Mentioned

#66 Jacob Judd: OL; 6' 3"; Senior; Clinton

Players Mentioned

#66 Jacob Judd
: 6' 3"; Senior; Clinton
: OL

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Players Mentioned

#66 Jacob Judd

Players Mentioned

#66 Jacob Judd