By Catherine Laroche
Tom Jurich took over as the University of Louisville Athletic Director in Oct. 1997 and he immediately started rebuilding the athletic program and improving its athletic facilities.
“When I came to tour U of L, the campus was much different then from now–it was trashy looking and there was no front line,” Jurich admitted. “My plan was to clean up the university, fix the image, be successful, and build a buzz [about U of L sports],” he said.
In just eight years, Jurich has accomplished his plan and more.
“Our sports have improved across the board, and it’s a direct result of Tom Jurich’s leadership,” Associate Athletic Director for Media Relations and Sports Information Director, Kenny Klein said. “[Last year,] we had an unprecedented eight teams reach the NCAA postseason. Individuals from three sports competed in NCAA championships. U of L’s cheerleading squads all won national championships, and the Ladybirds were national runners-up.”
Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium, Owsley B. Frazier Cardinal Park and Jim Patterson Stadium were all built during Jurich’s tenure at U of L.
Continuing with this growth and development, U of L has added the Ralph Wright Natatorium, slated to open later this month. U of L is also working on the Trager Center indoor football facility, which is currently under construction and is set to be complete by Dec. 2005. The $8 million project is the result of a $2 million lead gift of the Trager Family of Republic Bank and many other supporting gifts. U of L used private money and fundraising to pay for the facility, which means the university and the state is not in debt.
“We are so grateful to the Trager Family and all of our generous donors who have given to this project to make it a reality,” Jurich said.
The indoor practice facility will include 120-yard FieldTurf field, 100-meter four-lane sprint track, pole vault and long jump pits, batting cages for both baseball and softball, and is equipped for the soccer, field hockey, and lacrosse teams to use.
“This facility addresses a critical need for program,” Jurich said, “Our student-athletes and coaches will now have the benefit of maximizing our practice time even during inclement weather.”
Jurich believes that the natatorium and the indoor football facility will benefit the university, U of L athletics, students, and the community in two ways.
“One, recruiting- great venues recruit great athletes,” sand Jurich. “And two, flexibility-more student athletes will be accessible.”
Although Louisville has created the natatorium and has started on the indoor football facility, there is still talk about constructing a new basketball arena.
“I’m pleased with the history of Freedom Hall,” Jurich said, “but a new venue adds amity. Right now, the program is at the top and Rick Pitino has brought Louisville basketball to a national stage. A new arena will help U of L and the community.”
(While the arena has been discussed with fervor in recent months, no formal commitment has been made as of yet.)
The new and improved sports facilities are merely one part the university’s efforts to clean up the campus. “By adding facilities, on-campus dorms and apartments, and providing more activities on campus, there is more of a true campus community,” Klein said. “Students aren’t just coming to class and rushing off. That’s recognized by the potential students that visit here and they want to be a part of it, too.”
Jurich is pleased with all the changes. “We worked with integrity and there was an aesthetic change,” he said. “It’s great to see all teams represented. When I came here, it was more of a basketball school. Now, we are more of a 22-sport school.”
