IT'S NOT DIRT

It's a dream

It was just a shovelful of dirt, not exactly the stuff symbols are made of.

But to Dr. Myrvin Christopherson, that lowly dirt symbolized a 40-year struggle to make Borup Coliseum the best it can be.

On Aug. 27, Christopherson, president of Dana College, and the rest of the Dana family held the official groundbreaking for a $5-million expansion project of Borup, home to Viking Athletics.

When completed, the expansion will add two practice courts, one competition court, classrooms, offices and a walking track to Borup’s existing competition court, indoor swimming pool, newly remodeled weight room, athletic offices and classrooms.

Dana’s 13 athletic teams and the intramural program, altogether involving more than 65 percent of Dana students, use the facility, as well as the rest of the Dana community. Dana is committed to providing opportunities for students to learn to become community leaders, and supporting Viking athletics is a major way of providing those opportunities, Christopherson said.

“This expansion is sorely needed to serve the multiple number of athletic teams we have,” he said. “We hope to have this project completed in one year so our scholar athletes will have use of the facility in 2003.”

Christopherson’s relationship with Borup Coliseum has been a long one. When the facility was initially being planned in 1960, administrators had decided to not include a pool within the facility. Christopherson, the Dana student body president at the time, wasn’t satisfied with the choice. He organized and led a student-based drive to raise money for the inclusion of a pool. The effort was successful, and Borup Coliseum became a first-rate athletic facility.

In the early ’60s, though, Dana had just six athletic teams (the golf team consisted of three players). As Dana grew and interest in athletics increased, Borup became a tight fit. So Christopherson returned to the past and started raising funds once again for Borup.

An initial phase of remodeling was completed in the spring of 2001. Students have already enjoyed using the “new” old Borup, but are looking forward to an all-new addition.

“The changes in Borup will help bring more school spirit to the Vikings,” said Dana senior Toni Ahrendt of Lincoln. “I believe a burst of energy will enter every student when they see an expanded Borup. I also think that it will help to draw in more students, those who play or enjoy sports of all kinds.”