In the bustling environment of Mesa (Az.) High School, an abandoned auto shop provided the perfect opportunity to build a state-of-the-art weight room. This project was not merely about renovating a space but about redefining the school’s approach to athletic training and student engagement. Athletic Director and Assistant Principal, David Klecka, envisioned a facility that would stand as a testament to innovation and commitment to student development. Klecka needed a versatile, modern space that was not only functional but could also act as a source of pride for the school. The project ended up meeting the ever-evolving needs of student-athletes in a way that Klecka never could have expected.
The transformation process involved extensive preparation and a deep understanding of what it takes for a training facility to not just be functional but inspirational. Klecka understood that converting the auto shop would require more than just a physical overhaul; it needed a vision that embraced the future of athletic training while fostering a sense of belonging among students.
Enter Samson Equipment
Central to the success of Mesa’s transformation was the collaboration with Samson Equipment. Known for their expertise in designing athletic facilities, Samson approached the project with a blank slate mentality, ensuring that every aspect of the weight room was optimized for performance, safety, and aesthetics. They were pivotal in realizing the vision of Mesa High School’s new weight room.
“Samson, they come in and not only do they get you the weights, but they design the weight room,” Klecka says. “They design the equipment that best fits the height, the whole square footage.”
This collaboration ensured that every detail, from equipment selection to spatial design, was meticulously planned and executed. Recognizing the importance of movement patterns and space optimization, Samson ensured that the placement of each rack and piece of equipment facilitated efficient training sessions tailored to Mesa’s needs. Moreover, the aesthetics were not overlooked. The weight room was adorned in the school’s colors, the school’s mascot, the jackrabbit, and motto, “Carry On”, creating a sense of identity and belonging for the students.
“Scott Schroeder was constantly updating us, the custom plates, the custom dumbbells, custom barbells, custom benches.” Klecka says. “He gave us loaner equipment while we were waiting for the custom to show up, which I thought was nice.”
Klecka’s experience with Samson was characterized by seamless communication and prompt responses, ensuring that the project stayed on track despite any challenges. Samson installed everything from the electronics to the flooring and coordinated with each supplier independently.
“That’s what I like,” Klecka says. “It’s almost like they’ve created a collective and they come in as a group. They already have your question answered. They’re just waiting for you to ask it.”
The attention to aesthetics and identity showed that a weight room could be more than a place for physical training—it could be a hub of school spirit, a source of inspiration, and a visible commitment to excellence. Samson’s thoughtful integration of Mesa High’s colors and logos serve as a daily reminder to students about their community and the collective pursuit of excellence.
The Impact Of Mesa’s Renovation
The completion of the weight room marked a significant milestone for Mesa High School, signaling a new era in athletic training and school culture. It now stands as a testament to the school’s commitment to providing state-of-the-art facilities for its students, promoting not only physical strength but also an environment of socio-emotional well-being. The space has become a hub of learning, development, and preparation for life beyond high school sports.
While the state-of-the-art weight room sets a new standard, it also embodies the ethos of constant evolution and innovation in scholastic sports facilities. The project highlights the importance of vision, expert collaboration, and a holistic approach to athletic training spaces. As Klecka aptly notes, the pursuit of excellence is ongoing, with each improvement paving the way for the next.
The Mesa High School weight room project is a shining example of how vision, collaboration, and a commitment to excellence can transform spaces to impact lives. It’s a story of how a school can redefine what’s possible, setting a precedent for others to follow and continually raising the bar for what scholastic sports can be.
“It’s school pride,” Klecka says. “They are proud of all the renovations. They’re proud of the way it looks, and they’re proud to say they go here.”
The transformation of an old auto shop into a cutting-edge weight room, spearheaded by David Klecka and brought to life by Samson Equipment, exemplifies the power of vision, collaboration, and innovation. It stands as a beacon of progress in scholastic sports, inspiring not just athletic excellence but also fostering a sense of pride and belonging among students. This project is a vivid reminder that with the right partners and a shared commitment to excellence, the possibilities for transforming spaces and lives are limitless.
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Samson Equipment provides customized, professional weight room solutions from premium grade materials, to deliver a long lasting, yet affordable product with over 40 years of experience.
