WHS project receives major donation for athletic facilities

The Iron Horse Foundation has committed $1 million to the Whitefish High School construction project to create a state-of-the-art athletic training facility.

The funds will be used to construct locker rooms, a training room and provide enhancements for the weight room and fitness center. The athletic and training facilities will be adjacent to the gymnasium.

“We are extremely excited to be able to participate in this terrific project,” said Murray Craven with the foundation. “The Iron Horse Foundation’s goal is to assist youth projects in Whitefish and we feel that lending a hand to the Whitefish High School construction project will touch the lives of our youth for many years to come.”

Principal Kerry Drown said the donation will benefit students, athletes, athletic programs and physical education courses.

“It is incredibly exciting to know that the students will have a state-of-the-art training facility that will enhance their lives and their experience at Whitefish High School,” Drown said. “This level of community support is absolutely amazing. The doors of opportunity have just opened and expanded for all of us, although the primary benefactors are the real reason behind this project — the students.”

WHS is in the midst of a $19 million renovation project that will result in a new school and remodel portions of the existing building. Part of renovation work includes a $850,000 upgrade to the gym paid for by a state grant. The new school is slated to open in August 2014.

Craven said the foundation became active about five years ago and the board selected the WHS project as the perfect opportunity to give funds.

“Our goal is to be much more active in the community,” he said. “The only way to get some of the wish list items for the WHS project accomplished is through donations. Hopefully this can help with the effort.”

Drown said over the last nine months discussions have taken place on how to create an athletic facility that would increase the ability to teach strength, conditioning and fitness to students. That work has included conversations with the Iron Horse Foundation and sending a team of school district staff to the University of Montana to discuss such a facility.

“I can’t adequately express how great it feels to receive this donation from the Iron horse Foundation that will bring the vision to reality,” Drown said.

The training facilities are inclusive and include locker rooms for physical education, home teams and visiting teams, a fitness center comprised of a weight room and cardio room, athletic trainer’s room, officials changing rooms, fitness equipment and storage.

School board trustee Dave Fern, who serves as chair of the WHS construction oversight committee, called the donation generous.

“This donation will enhance our high school physical education program, expand the promotion of lifelong healthy living and enhance and our boys and girls athletic programs,” he said. “If you’ve walked through our locker rooms, you know literally thousands of students have used these well worn facilities. We needed more than just a facelift and this generous donation will fund a significant rebuild and additions to locker rooms and training facilities. It’s quite humbling and we are grateful.”