By: Gillian Knight
While most students used the President’s Day holiday to catch up on sleep, Riverside’s student-athletes were already putting in work. The holiday marked the unofficial soft opening of the school’s highly anticipated new weight room in DeGraff, as athletes gathered to break in the facility for the first time.
The weight room is a cornerstone of Riverside’s broader athletic facility overhaul. Designed to replace a cramped, outdated space that limited training capacity, the new room boasts an expansive layout filled with pristine benches, power racks, and a dedicated area for aerobic and plyometric exercises.
This upgrade comes on the heels of last year’s turf field installation, signaling a major shift in the school’s commitment to its sports programs. Head coach Bryce Hodge noted that he is pleased with the students’ performance and the energy they brought to the new space.
For the seniors who have spent years training in the previous facilities, the upgrade is bittersweet but welcome.
Senior Tony Robinson says, “After playing football for four years, I’m excited to see what this facility does for Riverside football here in the near future.”
As the official grand opening approaches this spring, the new weight room stands as more than just a room full of iron; it is a testament to the school’s investment in its students. For the athletes at Riverside, the facility represents a new era of excellence – one where their physical environment finally matches the scale of their ambition.
*Gillian is a Student Reporter at Riverside High School. Photos courtesy Bryce Hodge*
