WESTFIELD TWP. -- Thanks to the generosity of community members and local businesses, Cloverleaf wrestlers soon will have a new facility of their own – constructed at no cost to district taxpayers.

In September, a group of parents approached the Cloverleaf Board of Education with a proposal to seek private funding for a dedicated wrestling practice room to be used by middle school and high school athletes, as well as by area youth programs.

With district gyms in use by basketball teams during the winter sports season, wrestling practices traditionally have been held at the Cloverleaf Community Recreation Center, necessitating the time-consuming movement of heavy mats and other equipment in and out of storage.

Working closely with Athletic Director Craig Walkup and Director of Buildings and Grounds Jay Niederhofer to create a construction plan, the group received the support of Cloverleaf All Sports Boosters and secured donations of funds, labor and materials. The Board of Education approved the project at its May 26 meeting. Construction is expected to begin this summer and be completed by the start of the 2015-16 wrestling season.

"We are very fortunate to have community members who are willing to donate their resources to improve the athletic facilities here at Cloverleaf,” Walkup said. “I really appreciate their efforts in making this happen.”

The 4,000 square foot building – similar in design to the Recreation Center – will be located just south of the high school annex on the site of the former high school softball field. The wrestling facility will tap into the annex for utilities, making those costs negligible, Niederhofer said. The design of the building includes room for possible future components, such as a weight room.

“This group of highly motivated wrestling parents partnering with our enthusiastic athletic booster organization had a dream that the students of Cloverleaf would have a dedicated wrestling practice space right here on our campus,” said Superintendent Daryl Kubilus. “This project is yet another fine example of the great school-community partnerships that Cloverleaf has developed over the years. When kids are at the heart of decision-making, great things can happen.”

John Gladden

Community Information Coordinator, Part-Time

Cloverleaf Local Schools

330-302-0311

www.CloverleafLocal.org

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