University of Texas Austin - Cactus Yearbook (Austin, TX)

New athletic facilities increase recruiting potential of an already first-class physical complex, directors say by PAT VIRES on a portable floor in the multi-purpose Special Events Center. The 16,200-seat facility hosted the Women ' s NCAA Final Four in March. " The Erwin Center is unrivaled by any other special events facility on a college campus, " said Donna Lopiano, athletic director of Women ' s Intercollegiate Athletics. Yet, the determination for Longhorn athletes to have the very best playing facilities continued. A $3.3 million 12-court tennis facility was under construction, replacing the 25-year- old Penick-Allison courts. The center, seating 1,416, would have 12 lighted courts. Recreational sports, along with both athletic departments, were funding the project, which would be used by the varsity tennis teams, tennis classes and recrea- tional sports. With the building of the new structure, there would be a possibility of hosting NCAA events in the future said Deloss Dodds, director of Men ' s Intercollegiate Athletics. The Penick-Allison tennis courts, which were torn down during the fall of 1984, made room for the new football train- ing facility. The facility, named the V. F. (Doc) Neuhaus- Darrell K. Royal Athletic Center, had a $7 million total cost. The Center was to provide modern dressing and training faci lities. Atop the building, a 70-by 53-yard practice field featured an artificial surface. The project was being funded through auxiliary and designated fund balances, seat option funds and Men ' s Intercollegiate Athletic Department gift funds. Student athletes considered facilities an important factor, Dodds said. Lopiano agreed, saying, " Recruiting is the primary contribution of the facilities. Student athletes are easily impressed with our first-class facilities. " Impressive facilities, such as the soon to be completed Neuhaus-Royal Athletic Center, attract prospective UT athletes. Photo by Jim Sigmon Opening 11