With renovations to the FAMU football locker room currently underway, FAMU AD Kortne Gosha told the Black College Sports Network (BCSN), Tuesday, that those improvements are only phase one of a three phase plan.
“Phase 1 is the football operations complex (the fieldhouse) --- football coach’s offices, football locker room, etc… Phase 2 is a major renovation of Bragg Memorial Stadium and a potential expansion of the football fieldhouse. Phase 3, which is really a long-term goal, is a new stadium,” Gosha said.
The locker room renovation, will see the addition of new lockers, new finishes and graphics, and new carpet is the first major upgrade to the fieldhouse in more than 37-years.
No word yet on the expected cost of the renovations, or how the cash-strapped athletic department is paying for the upgrades. However, almost simultaneously, the department launched an “All In” fundraising campaign it hopes will raise $750,000 for several expected upgrades. So far, $100,000 has been raised.
It’s unusual for a program to start construction/renovations projects without first having the money in the bank.
“One of the things that really gets people engaged is for them to see the vision become a reality,” Gosha told BCSN. “So, anyone who wants to help us reach our goal, donate to the Rattler Athletic Fund.”
“If we really want to have a national championship caliber program, which we do, we have a great coach, we have great student athletes not only on the competition surface, but also in the classroom… Then it takes resources,”an excited Gosha added.
Gosha said, to be a championship caliber program is a process. “Running an athletic department is a process. If you want to win a champion, ok this is what it takes to get there. If you are not willing to (invest), ok then this is who we are then…. we are not a championship program. And, I haven’t met a Rattler who is not expecting a championship.”
Facilities improvements are a key component in Coach Willie Simmons' plans to turn the Rattler football program in to one of the elite FBS programs in the country.