California Baptist University dedicated its new Athletic Performance Center (APC) during a ribbon-cutting ceremony last Friday morning that included a new plaza and parking garage.
The APC features a 10,800-square-foot weight room, the largest of the NCAA Division I non-football institutions in the state of California. The new APC is quadruple the size of the previous CBU strength and conditioning facility (2,550 sq. ft.). The project also includes a dedicated nutrition space, a basketball practice facility, and a six-lane, 30-yard training area among other amenities.
"Our mission here is to honor Christ through excellence in athletics, and this facility is going to help us do that," Director of Athletics Dr. Micah Parker said. "Over 450 athletes will work out in here two-to-three times a week. This is where winning records, conference championships, and memories will be created, not only for our university but for our community."
It continues the Lancers' rapid expansion as a university and athletic department, CBU opening the Events Center in May 2017. The 153,000 square foot basketball arena seats 5,050 spectators along with offices and conference rooms for department administration and basketball coaching staffs as well as locker rooms, team meeting areas, and space for sports medicine staff and equipment.
"This is an incredible classroom to teach real-life skills... things that really matter for our student-athletes moving forward as they pursue success," Men's Basketball Coach Rick Croy said. "This room, this facility is about building confidence. I know for myself as an athlete, I gained confidence in here before I ever performed well on the court or on the field. There is a measurable success that can be achieved here."
The new APC facility is an expansion of the 40,682-square-foot Recreation Center that opened on campus in January 2013 and is located near the Events Center, home of the men's and women's basketball programs, and is accessible right off Adams Street.
Equipment in the APC is highlighted by new power racks, pulleys, cardio machines, and other strength training equipment, according to Jason Quan, CBU's Director of Athletic Strength and Conditioning. Quan added that all 18 of CBU's NCAA DI programs will use the strength and conditioning facility. The APC holds approximately 9,300 lbs. of weights. There are 14 squat racks, 18 pulley stations, and 12 sets of dumbbells that range from 5-125 lbs.
Two current Lancer seniors, softball's Deanna Alarcon, and baseball's Kyle Oyama, shared what the new APC means for them and their fellow student-athletes.
"All our athletes have seen the improvements in the Athletic Department and our school, as well, and are very excited for the future," Oyama said. "Now it's up to us to take advantage of new facilities like this one so we can continue to represent Lancer Nation well."
The Lancers just completed an impressive first year in NCAA Division I in 2018-19, and are in the middle of their second of four transition seasons to full D-I membership.
"Having a nice facility doesn't guarantee we'll win more games, but this provides us with the opportunity to improve and improving on a daily basis is what increases the chances of winning," Alarcon said. "This is another example of the Athletic Department honoring Christ through excellence in athletics… I know that God can work through this facility."