Upon returning after spring break, many residents have noticed the new modernized lobby of the athletic center. Throughout the past few months, the Athletic Center has been under renovation, with new paint and a change in display of the athletic awards, and was finally completed at beginning of the spring trimester. 

Many students, like Will Strout ‘20, are excited about the new lobby. A two-time JV football MVP and lifting enthusiast, Will spoke to The Willistonian about his preference for the new look. 

“I like it a lot because it is a better surface to run on,” he said. “It’s also better for dropping weights onto it, without making as loud of a thud.” 

Will likes the style, which he called “futuristic” and like nothing else on campus.  

Sophomore varsity Boys Lacrosse player Chris Park’s statement mirrored Will’s; he spoke of the durability of the new floor and the overall change in look.  

“It is definitely a lot better for athletic activities, such as lifting, running, stretches, and any sort of exercise,” Chris said. “It looks a lot nicer than the old one, the carpet was getting to be a bit old, so I think it was time for a change, it has definitely made a pretty big impact on campus.”  

Along with members from the student body, The Willistonian also interviewed Head of Strength and Conditioning, Coach Blayne Lapan.

“It’s nice, it looks really clean, it’s definitely brighter in here as you can see.” Lapan said, also noting that the plaques and awards are visible from the road. 

At night when the lights are off, Lapan stated that the lit trophy shelves “are a glowing beacon to our athletic facility.”  

On Friday, June 7, during Reunion Weekend, the Athletic center will be dedicated to the Cain family and will bear their name: The Sabina Cain Family Athletic Center.  

In a letter to the school community, Head of School Robert Hill wrote, “The Cain family, led by James E. Cain ’68 and the family of his late brother Daniel M. Cain ’64, has made a significant gift to the school—among the largest Williston has received—to help the school achieve its highest priorities, including continued expansion of the Residential Quad.”

The email continued, “The family’s extraordinary generosity reflects a connection to Williston that is multigenerational and deep: Dan and Jim both thrived at Williston, academically and athletically, before launching successful careers in finance, and later served as dedicated trustees of the school. They were soon followed by the family’s next generation—Daniel Decelles ’89, Jennifer Cain Cross ’89, and Amy Decelles Frosk ’92—each of whom made their own marks in the classroom and on the athletic fields.”