Aug. 27, 2008

Baylor's $34 million Alwin O. and Dorothy Highers Athletics and Academic Complex has taken strong steps toward completion.

The facility will join other athletic facilities along the Brazos River across University Parks Drive from the university.

"We're very excited to get us over there," junior free safety Jordan Lake said. "I think once we get closer to campus it'll really tie us into the student body."

Currently, the football team practices at Floyd Casey Stadium, four miles from campus.

"(It defines) being a student athlete," head coach Art Briles said of the move to campus. "Right now if (the players) don't have a car, they have to catch a ride."

The two-level facility holds all the offices for the coaching staff, media relations, broadcasting, academic rooms and multi-purpose rooms on the top floor, while keeping the training sections separate. A 50-thousand square foot room dedicated to strength and conditioning highlights the bottom floor, surrounded by therapy rooms, locker rooms and lounges.

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