TU exploring possibility of indoor practice facility
BY BILL HAISTEN World Sports Writer
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
University of Tulsa athletic director Ross Parmley confirms that school officials are exploring the feasibility of building an indoor practice facility.
The facility would be used not only by the football program, Parmley stressed: “It has the potential to impact 400 student-athletes.”
“There have been discussions. It’s on our to-do list,” Parmley said. “But the funding, the location, the style, the type – that hasn’t been worked out yet.”
One possible campus location is the Harwell Field area, north of H.A. Chapman Stadium.
Last week, when reflecting on TU’s recent facilities improvements, football coach Bill Blankenship said, “The next thing is an indoor facility. We’ve got to get that done. It just shows your commitment.
“I think we have the support in town to do that. Those are discussions we’re already having.”
When Blankenship uses the word “support,” it is presumed that the university has had specific indoor-facility dialogue with a potential donor or donors. Parmley would not elaborate on Tuesday.
“I do think it will get done,” Parmley said. “It is a high-priority item for us.”
TU’s first-year football players reported for preseason camp on Tuesday. Returning players report on Wednesday. The first practice session is set for Thursday, when the temperature – according to the National Weather Service – is expected to crest at 111 degrees.
Because of another alarmingly hot August, each of the Golden Hurricane’s first 17 practices is scheduled for an early morning start.
“Practicing in the mornings and on the grass – that’s an effective way of coping with the heat,” Parmley said. “There’s a high level of consideration given to the safety of our student-athletes.”
