Crew House Construction Moves Full Steam Ahead
November 04, 2003 | Women's Rowing
As the fall racing schedule draws to a close, construction on the Badger crews' new home continues full steam ahead. The last vestiges of the former Crew House have been fully disassembled and the site has been cleared for new construction.
As the construction project enters its second month, signs of progress can be found amid the caravan of contractor trucks, trailers, and equipment. Perimeter footings, on which the structure will be erected, have been poured and set while final amendments to the rowing tank design await approval. Similarly, erosion control measures and ecology considerations have been fulfilled while finishing touches are being made on the sea wall. If all goes according to schedule, pouring of the foundation walls could begin as early as next week.
'We're really excited about this project,' said project superintendent Mark Voight. 'It's been challenging, unlike anything we've ever done, but we're up to the challenge.'
Meanwhile, the Badger crew team continues training at the temporary Willows Bay facility. Affectionately referred to as `The Big Top' by head rigger Roger Payne, the tented compound continues to provide an intimate setting for most training activities.
With the onset of winter just around the bend, efforts to relocate the crew team to a warmer and dryer space have already begun. Ergometer machines have been moved to the Field House while a constant stream of boats are being de-rigged and moved to the crew team's storage facility behind the Goodman Softball Diamond. However, weather permitting, expect to see the Badgers on the lake for the next two weeks.
