Hutchison builds new training center

Hutchinson is building a new training center that will give the school’s all-girl student body a place to further health, fitness, strength and conditioning education while aiding its athletic teams.

Brenda and Lester Crain contributed to the new center, which will be called the Crain Center. The two are long-time supporters of the school and are members of its Norfleet Society, which recognizes its higher level of contributors.

A $1.7 million building permit was filed with the Shelby County Office of Construction Code Enforcement on Oct. 1. Described as new construction of a field house, the contractor is Grinder, Taber & Grinder Inc.

The two-story building will feature about 4,000 square feet per floor. The lower floor will consist of home and visitor locker rooms, public restrooms, a concession stand, athletic training room, and an area for aerobics and dance. The second floor will feature training and conditioning space that will be five times the size of the existing facility.

In addition, the second floor will have a walk-out balcony that overlooks Dobbs Field, home of the school’s soccer and lacrosse teams.

“We are excited about what the center will mean for the overall fitness of our girls,” said athletic director Catherine Chubb.
The new Crain Center will play a central role in the larger mission of meeting the health and fitness needs of the student body, Chubb said.

Each week, students in the Upper School are responsible for monitoring and reporting their physical activity. A new certified strength and conditioning specialist will work in the center when it opens to chart the students’ progress, Chubb said.