RSU administrators and members of the RSU Foundation board perform the ceremonial shoveling during the groundbreaking for the Case Athletic Performance Center April 17.
RSU faculty, staff, students and student-athletes braved the high winds Thursday morning to commemorate a new chapter in the RSU Athletics Department with the groundbreaking of the new Case Athletic Performance Center.
Held at 11 a.m. April 17, the ceremonial groundbreaking on the new indoor practice facility included comments from RSU dignitaries, such as Vice President for Development Steve Valencia, who acknowledged the support of real estate developer Mike Case and his wife Pat, RCB Bank, and the Board of Directors of the RSU Foundation, all of whom helped make the project a reality.
Also speaking was RSU Interim President Dr. Mark Rasor.
“This is a significant day in the advancement of our athletic programs,” Rasor said. “This facility will allow our athletes the opportunity to practice year-round. When there’s ice and snow on the ground, they’ll be able to go inside and continue to hone their skillset. That’s critical for the success of our programs.
“It will also be a huge selling point when we go out and bring new recruits to campus. They’ll see we are committed to athletics,” he continued. “I add my thanks to Mike and Pat Case, who provided the lead gift for this facility, and I wholeheartedly endorse putting their names on the building, as well as RCB Bank for everything they do for us on campus and in the athletic world.
“Finally, thanks to the RSU Foundation leadership. This would not be possible without that leadership and the work that they do,” Dr. Rasor said. “Athletes, I hope you enjoy this building. I can’t wait for it to come together and for us to cut a ribbon and dedicate it soon. Thanks for being here and go Hillcats.”
Last to speak was Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics Dr. Chris Ratcliff.
“Today is a day I’ve been dreaming of for years,” Ratcliff began. “This is a project that has been a long time in coming. This journey has taken a long time – there have been highs and lows. We started with a conservative budget that ended up doubling in cost, but they say good things come to those who wait, and this facility will be worth the wait.
“It will be a top-notch indoor facility that gives our student athletes a place to train during bad weather or to get extra reps in the evening,” he said. “Thanks to everyone who made this possible, Mr. and Mrs. Case, RCB Bank, our donors, Steve Valencia, President Emeritus Dr. Larry Rice, Dr. Rasor. Thank you all for believing in this vision. Coaches…thank you for your patience. I kept telling you ‘We’re almost there, we’re almost there.’ We’re finally here.
“And to our student athletes – you’re the reason we’re here today,” he said. “You are my why. We are committed to giving you the best tools, facilities and support possible because you deserve nothing less. Our goal is to create an experience that makes your time as a Hillcat unforgettable. From the bottom of my heart, thank you.”
After Ratcliff’s remarks, Foundation board members joined Rice, Rasor, Valencia and Ratcliff for the ceremonial groundbreaking, followed by a time of informal fellowship.
With a completion date during the fall 2025 semester, the new facility will provide more than 10,000 square feet of practice space. While the primary tenants will be the baseball, softball and golf teams, other teams will also be able to utilize the space.
While construction on the facility is beginning, the RSU Foundation is still seeking gifts to fully fund the project. Interested individuals or groups can contact Steve Valencia, Vice President for Development, at (918) 343-7780 or at [email protected].
