As Wells College prepares to launch its inaugural basketball season this fall, it has invested in a portable gym floor for use by the entire campus community, especially the newly formed men's and women's basketball teams. The new floor is expected to arrive on campus in mid-April.

“This gym floor shows the commitment that our administration is making to support our athletic programs,” Men's Basketball Head Coach Joe Wojtylko said. “The new floor will allow us to make maximum use of our facilities and will enhance our play at the NCAA Division III level. We are very excited about it.”

Wells has contracted with Praters Incorporated of Chattanooga, Tenn. Prater has recently constructed gym floors for the University of Florida, the NBA 2008 All-Star game, the 2004 Olympic Games, and the Atlantic Hawks as well as numerous other college and professional teams.

Once on campus, the floor will be installed in the Farenthold facility attached to the Schwartz Athletic Center, which will serve as the home venue for the Wells basketball teams starting next season.

“Bringing in a portable floor for our studenst is a wonderful investment in the future of athletics at Wells,” Director of Athletics Jamey Ventura said. “Not only will our student athletes be able to practice and compete on our own campus, the floor will be available to all Wells students and the entire community to participate in extra-curricular activities.”

Along with the floor, there are plans in place to add over the summer a new scoreboard, bleachers, and scorers table to the Schwartz Athletic Center.

These improvements will complete the renovations necessary to launch Wells' inaugural basketball season in fall 2008.

For more information about the new portable gym floor and athletics at Wells College, please call Director of Athletics Jamey Ventura at (315) 364-3409.