Colleges column: OCC getting a face-lift

Tony Altobelli

Fairview Road isn’t the only thing being torn up around Orange

Coast College this summer.

Numerous Pirates’ facilities are getting a major tummy tuck and face-lift

with most tasks completed by the end of summer.

“One of the first things I addressed when I first got here was that our

biggest concern was the aging facilities,” Athletic Director Jane

Hilgendorf said. “I’m real excited about all of our improvements.

Hopefully by the end of summer or early fall, most of our changes will be

in place. It’ll be so nice you won’t even recognize it.”

If you happen to cruise the campus in the fall and you see some bigger,

buffer athletes than usual, there’s a reason for this.

“There’s a whole new strength lab now,” the ever-proud Hilgendorf said.

“All new state-of-the-art Paramount equipment, with air conditioning and

some enhanced lighting. It’s really beautiful.”

After a nice workout at the strength lab, grab your rackets and head out

to the new tennis courts at OCC.

Six courts will be completely replaced, while others will be resurfaced.

In addition, there will also be new wind screens to replace the flapping,

flag-like screens currently there.

Upon completion of your match, hit the showers where you will find new

locker areas.

“The interior locker areas are being redone,” Hilgendorf said. “New

showers, new lockers, everything.”

After a nice shower, go chat with a favorite coach of your choice in

their new and improved offices.

“There are some offices with desks and filing cabinets that are 30-40

years old,” Hilgendorf said. “We’re going to get some new stuff and

really make the offices look nice.”

Almost sounds like a Club Med trip or something, huh? Well these

improvements have been long overdue and there are still more to come.

“In my first year here I’ve realized that if you set a timetable to get

something done, add a year,” Hilgendorf said with a laugh. Hopefully by

December, all the changes will take place and we’re going to have a

beautiful facility.”

Other touch-ups include the gymnasium, soccer fields, the exercise

science lab and the sports medicine facility.

“These improvements will generate a lot of enthusiasm to the coaches,

which in turn, they will carry to their athletes,” Hilgendorf said. “I

hope these improvements will also bring a renewed interest back to the

Pirates’ athletic programs from the local community.