Central High School Raising the Bar for a Community Built on Strength
Turning Limitations into Opportunity THE CHALLENGE
Before the renovation, Central High’s athletes trained with limited stations and outdated equipment, forcing the strength and conditioning team to make the most of every square foot. As the program grew and more sports sought structured training, space constraints became an everyday challenge.
“Our goal was to expand access,” said Steve Wilkinson, Life Fitness Key Account Manager and proud Central High alumnus. “They wanted to create more training opportunities for their athletes without expanding the footprint.”
For a community so deeply invested in its student-athletes, the need was clear: build a facility that could handle more athletes, foster safety and collaboration, and inspire a stronger culture of commitment across every team.
Reimagining What’s Possible The Process
Working hand in hand with Life Fitness/Hammer Strength, Central High set out to create a training environment that matched their championship mindset. The design team reimagined the layout from the ground up, increasing the room’s training capacity by nearly 40% while adding open turf space for mobility, sled work, and team conditioning.
This collaborative process focused on flow, function, and inspiration—transforming the room into a hub where athletes from every sport could train side by side. “From the moment the first render was shared, we knew it was going to be special,” said Steve. “The goal was to give Central something that felt like home, but also like a place where greatness happens every day.”
Every decision reflected that goal—from layout revisions that optimized movement to design details that honored school spirit and unity.
A Facility that Reflects the Heart of Central The Outcome
The transformation was immediate—and deeply felt. Central High’s new strength and conditioning facility quickly became more than a training space; it became a source of identity and inspiration.
“This space might be the most talked-about part of our campus,” said Coach DiStasio. “It’s a place where all of our athletes can train and grow together. It’s a pride piece for our kids.”
Students describe the facility as a privilege—a place where they feel empowered to push harder, grow stronger, and take pride in their progress. “Everybody that comes through this weight room is lucky,” one athlete shared.
The impact extended far beyond the school walls. Once a month, the community now gathers for open workouts—a testament to how much this space means to Central’s families and alumni. The ripple effect has even reached the middle school, where coaches have repurposed older equipment to begin developing young athletes earlier in their journeys.
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