HAMILTON – When the men's lacrosse team found out that its program would be part of the new Colgate athletics facility, they were ecstatic. Now the program has something else to look forward to – a brand new state of the art locker room.

“The outpouring of support for Colgate Athletics, and specifically Colgate Men's Lacrosse, just shows the commitment to excellence of everyone associated with Colgate University,” head men's lacrosse coach, Mike Murphy said. “As the head coach I am humbled by this, and I know our current and future players will be thankful for the opportunities it will afford them.”

Colgate alumnus Dick Herbst '69, P'99, '03 issued a challenge to raise $500,000 for the new men's lacrosse locker room. If the goal was met, he would match the total, sending in another $500,000 toward the new facility.  As of July 1, $504,000 was raised by 71 donors. Herbst's challenge has been met, and he is more than happy to match the contributions.

“I can not begin to express my thanks to Dick Herbst, his family and the many faithful Colgate alumni who made the Dick Herbst locker room challenge such a great success,” Murphy continued. “The support of our alums, donors, and fans is truly outstanding.  As we get ready for the addition of Boston University and Loyola to the Patriot League, our new athletics facility, new coaches' offices, locker room, and meeting space will allow us to continue to compete at a high level within the league, as well as continue to recruit outstanding student-athletes.”

The new athletics facility has now hit the $24.2 million point towards its fundraising goal of $25 million. That's 97 percent of the way there, and the finish line is getting closer each day.

“Dick has been an incredible mentor and true friend to our university, our athletics department, and to me,” Colgate's Director of Athletics, Victoria M. Chun '91, MA'94 said. “We are grateful for his generous support and the support of the many alumni, friends, and families that rose up to the locker room challenge.”

Colgate's Board of Trustees voted unanimously in February in favor of the construction of a new $37.8 million, 97,000-square-foot athletics facility, contingent on the receipt of $25 million in gifts. The new facility will feature a hockey rink, locker rooms, training and meeting space, and offices for coaches of the men's and women's hockey, lacrosse and soccer programs.

It will also allow for the eventual repurposing of Starr Rink for additional practice facilities.

If you are interested in learning more about the project contact Eamon Del Giacco '05 at edelgiacco@colgate.edu or 315-228-6220.