Long-term Athletic Department Construction Project Inspires Confidence in the Future of Sewanee Athletics

Upon his hiring during the 2022 Advent Semester, The University of the South director of athletics John Shackelford embarked on a mission to improve Sewanee sports programs in multiple ways. The beginning of Shackelford’s tenure as director included the initiation of a $2 million-budgeted construction project that will significantly upgrade Sewanee athletic facilities and venues. I sat down with Coach Shackelford in late April to learn what exactly was in store for the Sewanee community and hear about the project’s early progress within the Fowler Center. 

As of Spring of 2023, a completely remodeled lobby with new painting and furniture is the first aspect of construction that greets students, faculty, and staff when entering the building. A separate section of the facility features new flooring, large beams with inspirational wording, additional furniture, and a classroom area that has been converted into a high-quality space for team activities such as film sessions or tactical reviews. The image of the Sewanee tiger is proudly on display throughout these additions, an element of the project that reflects Coach Shackelford’s commitment to rebranding and promoting a sense of community among the Sewanee athletic department. 

Despite the construction being in the early stages at the time, Shackelford explained how this momentum would continue into the summer. A few of the most notable expected changes include a resurfacing of the basketball gym floor and indoor track, expanded number of staff office spaces, redesigned recreational areas such as racquetball courts, additional locker rooms, and remodeled weight rooms and training rooms. The waning summer months present an opportunity for fall sport student-athletes to return to the mountain with a new and improved Fowler Center. Not only will this elevate the quality of resources and training available to student-athletes, but it will also get the greater Sewanee community excited for the upcoming seasons. 

Perhaps the largest and most ambitious task of construction that is expected to conclude before the project’s anticipated end date of summer 2024 is the implementation of a new soccer-specific complex. Shackelford’s idea is to create locker rooms as well as practice and game fields located near the domain’s northeast corner. Although the women’s and men’s soccer teams at Sewanee have historically played games at Puett Field, Shackelford envisions a new site for these competitions, which would offer Puett Field up to be divided among other sports. This reflects his belief in the importance for all sports to have their own high-quality spaces.

Shackelford’s transformation of Sewanee’s athletic facilities and venues is one of the most comprehensive construction projects the mountain has seen in recent years. Its expansive length and budget are drawbacks that pale in comparison to its potential to improve Sewanee athletics and elevate our teams into the conference-wide, regional, or perhaps even national spotlights. Beyond the possibility for athletic success, however, is the confidence that the university is creating the best experience for its student-athletes. Shackelford emphasizes his hope that this necessary revitalization of Sewanee athletics will solidify a championship culture and remind teams that the entirety of the administration and staff is behind them as they proudly compete for the Sewanee tigers. 

Since this article has been written, the Fowler Center has began these improvements with many more to come. Shack has been working hard to make sure that our facilities are the best they can be on the mountain. Below are some images of the improvements so far.

Along with the an updated lobby, sitting areas, classroom for post game reviews the Athletic Department put in a brand new basketball court floor, bleachers and paneling.

This project is just the beginning of Shack’s plan for the Fowler Center as well as the entire athletic department. We are excited to see what comes next. Go Tigers!