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<td width="343" valign="bottom"><p class="date"><!-- InstanceBeginEditable name="date" --><a href="default.html">01/28/04• Vol.
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<p><a href="construction.jsp">Construction to begin Feb24 on new
academic and athletic facility</a></p>
<p><a href="time.jsp">Time for the student section to be just that</a></p>
<p><a href="dogbite.jsp">'Dog Bites</a></p>
<p><a href="work.jsp">Time For WORK</a></p>
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<h1>Construction to begin Feb24 on new academic and athletic facility</h1>
<p><strong><font size="3">New facility upgrades are expected to be completed in October 2004</font></strong></p>
<p><strong><font size="2">By Zack Walton</font></strong></p>
<p>The date for groundbreaking on the Ricchiuti Academic, Strength and
Conditioning Center and the expansion of the athletic department’s
Duncan Building has been set for Feb. 24, Fresno State Athletic Director
Scott Johnson announced Monday.</p>
<p> The bid for the construction plan was awarded to Harris Construction
of Fresno and the anticipated completion of the project is October 2004.</p>
<p> The $4.9 million project will be privately funded through the Green
V Association—a fundraising group for the athletic department—and
no state funds will be used. </p>
<p> The Ricchiuti Family recently donated $1 million to the academic center,
which will stand adjacent to the current Fresno State strength and
conditioning center that will also display the family name.</p>
<p> “
The Ricchiuti Family have been long time benefactors, of not just Fresno
State, but of many organizations throughout Fresno,” said assistant
athletic director Steve Weakland.</p>
<p> The nearly 6,000 square-foot Ricchiuti academic center will be a state-of-the-art
facility, including office space for Student-Athlete Services personnel,
study and computer labs, women’s soccer offices and meeting rooms.</p>
<p> The Duncan Building expansion will add more than 22,000 square feet
to the facility that will house a new football locker room, teaching
facilities
and coaching classrooms and offices will all be located in the facility.
The building will also house an auditorium with theatre-style seating.</p>
<p> The plans for expansion of the football facilities have been in the
works for several years, with the official announcement being made in
October
2003.</p>
<p> “
[The facilities] are a much needed addition, which will be dedicated
to academics and will have great benefits for student-athletes,” Weakland
said. “The expansion to the Duncan Building, including the locker
room and offices, will have a significant impact for [Fresno State’s]
football team.”</p>
<p> Fresno State football coach Pat Hill announced, in October, the upgrade
of football facilities were a major reason for his decision to remain
with the Bulldogs instead of pursuing other coaching opportunities.</p>
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