Cooper Gymnasium

Built in 1976 the Norris Center's Ronald "Bud" Cooper Gymnasium has served Lake Superior State University for many years as a home court, as well as a community facility for sports camps, clinics, concerts, speakers, and exhibitions. Thousands of graduates attended commencement in the gym until the expansion of Taffy Abel Arena, and the growing number of graduates, prompted a move to the ice rink for the ceremony.

For many years, Cooper Gym was simply "the gym." In 2000, it was named after Bud Cooper, who spent forty years at Lake Superior State University as a superb athlete, exceptional coach, and respected athletics director.

The 19,500-sq. ft. gymnasium seats approximately 2,500 people in a moveable bleacher system. Originally built with composite flooring, in 1999 a refurbished, portable hardwood floor was purchased for $73,000 through the generosity of alumni, friends, fans, and the community.

The estimated life of the floor was seven years; it is now 14 years old. While the floor was a welcome addition to the Norris Center, it has some limitations. It is time to update the floor and improve the facility.

"Replacing the floor would be a very positive step for the program and it would serve our student-athletes well." -Jamie Pewinski, Woman's Basketball Coach

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Are you interesting in supporting the replacement of the Cooper Gym floor? Learn how...

"With the portable floor depreciating past its expectancy,it is important to replace it within the next year. Normal wear and tear and the age of the floor makes continued use a major challenge. In addition, 'dead spots' are developing that can dramatically affect play." -Kris Dunbar, Director of Athletics

More from Kris...

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