AUGUSTA, Ga - Augusta University Athletics announced plans to complete a new locker room facility on the Forest Hills Campus. The 'Jaguar House' will serve as the future home of the Augusta tennis, cross country, and track and field programs. Renovations will begin in December 2023 with a completion date scheduled for spring 2024.

Augusta University Director of Athletics Ryan Erlacher has prioritized facility upgrades since his arrival and creating a home for programs without existing locker rooms was at the top of that list.

"Providing a home for our tennis, cross country and track programs will significantly elevate the experience those student-athletes are having," said Erlacher. "AU student-athletes deserve the best we can offer and projects like this will provide an exceptional, first-class facility our teams can take great pride in. We are extremely fortunate and grateful for the investment President Keel and his leadership team are making into the future of Jaguar Athletics."

The 'Jaguar House' will be established in what was formerly known as the Literacy Center.  After renovations, the new space will feature coaches offices, locker rooms facilities, lounge spaces, and storage for all six programs.

The facility is located adjacent to the Newman Tennis Center and will have direct access to the home game venue. Interior renovations to the existing space include new drywall, flooring, windows, and HVAC. The entire interior space will be reimagined to create team spaces for the cross country, track, and tennis teams. 

"We're extremely excited about the renovations being done to the tennis/track house," said head cross country/track and field coach Jacob Burgamy. "It is in a part of campus that cross country uses for a lot of their workouts, making it a great location and giving our program a place to utilize as their space, store their equipment, and hang out between classes. We're all very grateful and appreciative of President Keel and Ryan Erlacher for investing so much into our program!"

"We are extremely grateful to our administration and University for this massive addition to Augusta University Tennis;" said head tennis coach Michael McGrath. "This addition will expand the scope of day to day operations and enhance our game day environment.

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