A new expansion for sports medicine at the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo Athletics Department leaves the faculty, staff and students grateful this holiday season. With a new training room providing more than 400 square feet of extra space, more than 225 student-athletes, certified athletic trainers (ATs) and student-interns can safely practice COVID-19 social distancing protocols while still receiving quality treatment.
The new room is located a few feet from the previous location just south of the Vulcan gymnasium. The previous space will still be used, giving Head Athletic Trainer Kensei Gibbs and certified ATs Aya Morioka and Trek Rundle more space to maneuver.
The project was completed by UH Hilo’s Auxiliary Services with Director William Walters overseeing the work. UH Hilo Director of Facilities Planning Jerry Watanabe, Vulcan Associate Athletic Director Kula Oda and UH Hilo Head Baseball Coach Kallen Miyataki also helped see the project through. The expansion work included flooring and concrete, along with painting and leveling.
“This new space is amazing and a real blessing for all of our student-athletes,” Gibbs said. “It could not come at a better time, as we are now able to provide much better physical distancing along with treatment and rehabilitation services. Much gratitude goes out to William Walters along with all of his very hard working, loyal and dedicated staff.”
“This added space was much needed on so many fronts,” Vulcan Athletic Director Patrick Guillen added. “We are grateful for all of those involved to give our student-athletes better care and our athletic trainers a better working environment.”
