In 2023, Colfax-Mingo High School facilitated a strategic upgrade to their athletic facilities, including their weight room. The project presented an opportunity to build an environment where students could not only produce maximum effort, but also feel a new sense of pride for their school. The school’s collaboration with Matrix Fitness has set a new standard for sport education and has promoted a culture of enthusiasm for sports and wellness at Colfax-Mingo.
Erin Hume, Assistant Principal, Athletic Director, High School Girls Varsity Wrestling Coach, and Middle School Girls Track Coach at Colfax-Mingo, was in charge of the weight room renovation. He offers insight into the school’s transformation and the decisions that led him to deliver the best weight room possible for his students.
Weight Room Renovation Impact And Takeaways
The new facility at Colfax-Mingo is not just about lifting more weights; it represents a new chapter of athletic training at Colfax-Mingo. Hume wanted an adaptable facility that could cultivate well-rounded individuals across various sports. This aspect is crucial for High School athletic programs, which often involve students who participate in multiple sports. The equipment from Matrix Fitness was selected to support this holistic approach, ensuring it met a broad spectrum of athletic needs.
“I hope students learn that when things are tough they don’t quit and just keep going,” says Hume. “If they can’t get the lift, try again, come back the next day, work out a little bit, and continue moving on. That’s the goal.”
The upgrade has been met with great enthusiasm from students and faculty alike. The new facility sparked a surge in participation and more weightlifting classes have been added to the curriculum to support the growing interest. Coaches and students have reported positive outcomes, with no second thoughts about the equipment chosen.
“We’ve seen a lot of improvement with the new facility and weight room,” Hume says. “We have more weightlifting classes, more kids in those classes, and the kids are just excited to have something to be proud of and it’s showing.”
When asked about how others should prepare for a renovation like this, Hume stressed the value of involving all stakeholders during the planning process. Consulting with coaches, other athletic directors, school board members, and the community, ensured that Colfax-Mingo’s new facility met everyone’s expectations and aligned with the school’s long-term goals.
Selecting the Right Vendor
Hume had to find the right partner to help him complete such a drastic overhaul. Hume began with a thoughtful look into all the vendors available. He sought recommendations from fellow athletic directors, and identified Matrix Fitness as the ideal collaborator. This decision was based on the feedback given by his peers and the company’s reputation for delivering high quality results while operating within a budget.
“It was well within our budget and met all of our needs,” says Hume. “Kids love it, the community loves it, and it’s serving a great purpose for us.”
Matrix’s involvement went well beyond just supplying the equipment. They also played a crucial role in designing the layout of the weight room, ensuring things like the flooring could withstand the rigors of intense workouts and the dropping of weights. Matrix covered every detail from initial layout to the installation, ensuring durability and safety every step of the way. This comprehensive vendor engagement allowed Hume to focus more on coordinating the other components of the renovation, rather than being bogged down in operational details.
“It was a great partnership,” Hume says. “From helping me select the equipment to making sure it fit what we were doing, they showed up to deliver it, put it all together, and took everything that we didn’t need with them.”
The successful upgrade of Colfax-Mingo High School’s weight room by Matrix Fitness, showcases how strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and the right partnerships can completely transform athletic training in educational settings. The overhaul has established a dynamic and inclusive environment that encourages the athletic and personal growth of its students. This project has not only enhanced the school’s athletics, but also reinforced the student body’s pride and commitment to fitness.
Learn More about Matrix
Details
In 2001, Johnson Health Tech launched Matrix to bring premium fitness equipment to the market place. Fueled by cross-cultural collaboration, today Matrix offers a complete line of cardio, strength, and group training equipment for high schools, health clubs, luxury resorts, and collegiate athletic teams, plus club-quality equipment reimagined for the home.
