New gym opens, fall sports practices begin
ALTAMONT — Christening the new gym and the start of fall sports practices, the Labette County Grizzlies volleyball team held its first practice at the stroke of midnight on Monday.
The Grizzlies players dashed onto the court the moment that KSHSAA allowed teams to begin practices.
“With us being in the new gym, it was a fun way to kick off in a new place with a new tradition,” Labette County head coach Leigh Ann Phillips said. “My seniors really wanted to do something special this year. This was something they brought to me. So here we are, ready to go.”
Monday morning also marked the opening of Grizzly Nation Gym, a new facility on the Altamont campus.
The gym is also air conditioned, something the school’s volleyball team has lacked in Harrison Gymnasium.
“We’ve been ready for this for a long time,” Phillips said. “There were times in the past where we’ve had to find alternative places to practice, or just not practice at all, because it was too hot in Harrison. Being able to do this is huge with air conditioning. It helps the girls acclimate. This is pivotal to be able to move forward in volleyball.”
Grizzly Nation Gym features two full length volleyball courts and a basketball court, with bleachers on the south side of the facility.
“I love it here,” Phillips said. “Our volleyball courts are stained a different color, and that’s something that helps them stand out a lot better. That’s something you don’t see a lot in the area. And this is our gym in the fall. It’s our place to play. It’s pretty special.”
After Monday’s practice, the players stayed the night in the gym as part of a lockin to prevent athletes from driving late at night.
“The girls ran onto the floor and they were excited to get back at it,” Phillips said. “I love to teach this sport. This night was just about getting loose, getting the jitters out and working hard.”
