Daily Cal: Athletics Officials Concerned About Recruitment Remain Optimistic on Stadium Overhaul Prospects

BY Stephen Chen

The preliminary injunction blocking the construction of the $125 million athletic training center and other facilities near Memorial Stadium may not only affect current Cal athletes, but potential recruits as well, campus officials said.   Memorial Stadium, which opened in 1923, has one of the smallest and oldest training facilities in the Pac-10. Though it currently accommodates more than 300 athletes, size constraints force some teams to divide players into separate groups for weightlifting.  Football coach Jeff Tedford, who on Jan. 16 agreed, in principle, to a four-year contract extension that campus officials hope to finalize in the coming weeks, can earn bonuses if he stays until the athletic center is built and the stadium renovations are finished.  “I know the project is of a high priority to (Tedford), but it’s a high priority for all of us and primarily around the life-safety of the student athletes,” said Vice Chancellor for Administration Nathan Brostrom.  Tedford is out of town on a recruiting trip and could not be reached for comment, but has often stressed the importance of having competitive facilities to help recruit high-caliber athletes.

The University of Southern California, considered to have some of the best facilities in the conference, recently opened a 255,000-square-foot arena. The Len Casanova Center at the University of Oregon contains a state-of-the-art weight room and offices for all coaches and athletic department officials.  McClymonds High football coach Alonzo Carter, who has sent over 40 players to Division I schools including current Cal players Derrick Hill, David Gray and Kyle Reed, said he sees the importance of having competitive facilities for recruiting.  “One of Coach Tedford’s visions was to have the stadium (renovated),” Carter said. “I think it’s unfortunate because he’s been working hard with less, and one of the attractions with kids is the facilities.”  Along with football, the proposed training center would house 12 other Cal men’s and women’s sports teams.  “I don’t see the ruling as being a terrible setback. I see it being a hurdle that you more than likely have to face any time you do a project of this magnitude,” men’s soccer coach Kevin Grimes said. “Our recruiting is very good, and it’s very successful with what we’re doing currently.”  Todd Huber, a current high school senior who has verbally committed to play football for the Bears in the fall, cited other factors that influenced his decision.  “I always had a real big interest in Cal, and it came down to the coaches and I really liked the area,” Huber said.