canisiushigh.org
9
Alumni and supporters combine strength for
new fitness center
ob Ryan ’82 played basketball and ran track
when he was a student at Canisius High School.
On a visit to Canisius for a GAMBIT event a
couple of years ago, he took a quick tour of the
school and noticed the weight room had not
changed much since his time as a Crusader.
Mr. Ryan, managing director for M&T Realty Capital
Corporation in Buffalo, had recently experienced a health
scare that caused him to focus on his own need to get into
better shape. In the old weight room he saw the opportunity
to help out his alma mater while helping to promote health
and wellness throughout the school.
“I asked the school president at the time and
members of the athletic department how
I could help and initially offered to fund a
new paint job for the room,”
Mr. Ryan says.
“After further discussions, we realized there
was more to be done, and by working together
we could have a far greater impact.”
Mr. Ryan pledged a challenge grant, offering to match
individual funds from alumni and supporters up to $50,000
to upgrade the weight room and create more of a fitness
center for the school. Mr. Ryan’s initiative raised more than
$140,000 and soon work was underway, knocking down
walls, installing state-of-the-art equipment, and, of course,
painting walls in a color scheme of Canisius Crusader blue
and gold.
Principal Timothy Fitzgerald emphasizes that while at first
glance the new fitness center may seem centered on the
school’s sports teams, it is having a great impact for the entire
student body.
“With two certified strength and conditioning
specialists (CSCS) on staff, and the new
facility in place, we have completely realigned
our physical education course offerings and
there is an even greater focus on promoting
health and wellness,”
Mr. Fitzgerald explains.
“It has enhanced curricular opportunities
for athletes and non-athletes alike as they
can now choose strength and conditioning
as a course.”
Completed in August 2012, the new weight room and
fitness center is in use throughout the year. Mr. Ryan is quick
to point out that while he spearheaded the effort to fund the
center, it involved the hard work of many, many people to
make it happen.
“I considered it a gift to attend Canisius High
School and I thought this type of targeted gift
was a great way to give back,”
Mr. Ryan
concludes.
“My hope is that the center helps
teach every student the importance of staying
in shape and always living a healthy lifestyle.”
More on the new weight room and fitness center is featured
in the athletic department section of
Canisius High School
Today
on page 35.
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Advanc eme nt N e ws
