ALPENA - A group of Alpena High School students are working on a project for their school and community, with an overall goal to build a pole barn for a new weight room and fitness center.
"We want to build a new weight room for our athletics program so they'll be faster, better and stronger. Everyone wants something big, but it costs a lot," AHS student Chad Bruski said.
Alpena Public Schools Board of Education Vice President Joe Stenz said there is a group of 17 student athletes who are making all of the choices in building the new weight room and fitness center.
"Most of us got involved because our principal and Joe had contacted us about being part of the group of students who will design and plan for the new weight room. I'm really excited about it," Mikaela Overton said.
Stenz and the 17 students went on a variety of field trips where they visited other athletic centers including Standish-Sterling, Bay City Western, and Indian River.
"Everyone was prepared to ask different questions about funding and fitness to athletic directors. It was a great opportunity for them to learn about fitness centers and what it takes to run one. They learned a lot, especially about heating and fundraising," Stenz said.
According to Stenz, the student athletes also bring cameras to away games and take photos of different weight rooms, in order to get a better understanding of how other school fitness centers run and are set up.
The students who are working on the new weight room are busy setting up multiple fundraisers. Their last one was at Big Boy on Ripley Boulevard where they raised approximately $1,000. They will be hosting another one on Feb. 27 from 5-8 p.m. at the Pizza Hut on State Street.
"We also did a raffle at the hockey game and raised $250, and we're going to do another raffle at the boys pink game, Hoops for Hope," Overton said.
Aaron Golbeck also designed a shirt the students are selling that says, "We weren't born in a barn we were built in one," in order to raise additional money.
The students are not stopping there. They also are writing grants to find funding for the new fitness center. The small group of students meet every Wednesday, rotating what hours they meet so they do not miss too much time from one class.
"We wanted to show people that we are serious about raising money for this project, and we're not just asking for it. We are doing fundraisers and are actively raising money by writing grants to find more," Bruski said.
Stenz said the overall goal is to raise $75,000 by the end of the year in order to start the foundation and shell of the pole barn.
"We met with the building and trades instructor, Jason Loyer, and showed him our plans. His CAD class will draw blueprints next trimester; our students are doing all of the work. They picked the name, design, and log. I don't really do a lot, they do," Stenz said.
According to Stenz the overall project is going to take around two years, but he is hoping the school will pay for the utilities and APS will start a wellness program.
"I want the best for my school. I want to see everyone succeed in the future, that's why this project is so important. We need community support to make it work, everyone needs to get involved," Bruski said.
According to Stenz, the students have already written four grants and are looking for more, and have participated in different fundraisers to earn money for the new weight room.
Bruski said he wants to see the pole barn filled with new technology, including TVs, speakers, and new fitness equipment with weight and training stations.
Stenz said AHS staff, students and coaches have been supportive and are becoming involved.
"The pole barn will be built by the building and trades class, and will be built outside of the gym near the back oval of the high school's parking lot near the edge of the soccer field," Stenz said.
Loyer said his drafting class is working on prints, and the building and trades class is planning on starting the project this fall.
"They are really excited about building the pole barn. It will be a great hands-on experience for them. They'll come back and say that they helped build something for our entire community," Loyer said.
Emily Siegmon can be reached via e-mail at esiegmon@thealpenanews.com or by phone at 358-5687.