The “new” Marion Bowman Activities Center

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By Alora Peters, Editor-in-Chief

The parking lot closures, noisy construction, and office transplants of Spring 2022 paved the way for the triumphant completion of Saint Leo University’s most recent remodeling project—the Marion Bowman Activities Center.

Named after former university president Fr. Marion Bowman, the Center encompasses the basketball arena, the athletic swimming pool, a fitness center exclusively for athletes, and coaches’ offices.

*Fr. Marion Bowman, a Benedictine monk, was the fourth president of Saint Leo University. (Photo by Alora Peters)*

Severe damage from water leaks prompted the remodeling of the Marion Bowman Center.

“It was in very rough shape,” said former university president, Dr. Jeffrey Senese, in a Spring 2022 interview with The Lions’ Pride. “We knew we had to do something this year. Given the consequences of that, we decided to do some cosmetic upgrades as well.”

The new renovations incorporated the Center’s former breezeway into the building itself, so that the breezeway is now closed in and air conditioned. The expansion and opening of the breezeway also provided room for the construction of a display case of trophies and awards won by the Saint Leo Lions.

“You guys haven’t seen the incredible amount of trophies that students have earned, teams have earned over the years,” said Senese.

*“You want to be able to take pride in your facility. You want to be able to walk in and feel at home,” said Sado. (Photo by Alora Peters)*

Refurbishments were also made to the Athletic Training Room, which is available to help athletes prepare for games and recover from injuries.

Manny Sado, a pitcher for the Saint Leo baseball team who is pursuing his M.B.A. with a sports business concentration, thinks that the updates to the Athletic Training Room are the most important part of the renovation.

“As someone who has, unfortunately, spent my fair share of time in the training room, I am happy to see it done right,” said Sado.

For athletes like Sado, resources like the Athletic Training Room are essential to athletic success and development.

“We are so fortunate to have administrators and care staff that realize the importance of our athletic training staff and what they do for us as athletes,” said Sado. “The upgrades made for that department are amazing. They help keep us on the field and competing and, without them, we are not nearly as strong as a program!”

*Re-construction of the Marion Bowman Center began in Spring 2022 and continued over the summer. (Photo by Alora Peters)*

In addition to the breezeway and the Training Room, updates were also made to the flooring of the Marion Bowman Center. The previous floors required continual repainting, so the new floors were given a more durable finish, similar to the Wellness Center.

Sado hopes that renovations for the Marion Bowman Center will continue, especially in the Center’s weight room, which is exclusive to athletes.

“I would love to see what we are able to do with that space and with player development here at Saint Leo,” said Sado. “Obviously, these types of things come in phases and more than likely, I won’t be here for the rest of the renovations, but I’m happy that future Lions, and any of our ex-Lions in the professional ranks that come back to train, will get the added benefit of more up-to-date facilities.”

Formerly, the weight room in the Marion Bowman Center was shared by all students, faculty, and staff. With the opening of the Wellness Center, the weight room in the Marion Bowman Center is now a place exclusively for athletes to exercise and train. (Photo by Alora Peters)

For athletes, the Marion Bowman Center is truly an important part of their lives at Saint Leo.

“You spend more time there with teammates, away from home and your family…it always has some significant meaning,” said Sado. “The Marion Bowman Center is a place us athletes are happy to call home.”