By 1808Delaware
Ohio Wesleyan University’s Gordon Field House has never been flashy, but for nearly five decades it has been indispensable. Since opening in 1976, it has quietly anchored indoor track and field, tennis, wrestling, and a wide range of campus and community events. In late November, the building reopened after a substantial interior renovation that gives it renewed relevance without stripping away its character.
This was not a reinvention. It was a careful effort to make the space work better for the people who rely on it every day.
What Changed Inside the Nearly 50-Year-Old Facility
The renovation focused on practical improvements that directly affect performance and usability. New windows were installed to bring in significantly more natural light, changing the feel of the interior immediately. A modern lighting system replaced aging fixtures, while fresh paint brightened the entire space.
Athletically, the most important work involved the complete resurfacing of the indoor track and tennis courts, along with multiple equipment upgrades. These changes improve safety, consistency, and training quality, especially during winter months when indoor facilities carry the bulk of the load.
The result is a space that feels lighter, more functional, and far better suited to modern athletic demands.
The Ferguson Family’s Lasting Investment
The renovation was made possible through the generosity of the late Lloyd Ferguson ’62, his wife Martha, their son William ’92, and other members of the Ferguson family. Their support allowed the project to be done comprehensively rather than in stages.
Ohio Wesleyan Athletics Director Doug Zipp underscored the impact of that commitment.
“We are immensely grateful to the Ferguson family for making the Gordon Field House renovation a reality,” Zipp said.
He noted that the new lighting, updated surfaces, and refreshed interior together elevate the building into a high-level training environment for student-athletes across programs.
This was not a symbolic gift. It was a functional one, aimed squarely at how the building is used day in and day out.
A Rare Track Surface and Broader Community Value
For Ohio Wesleyan’s track and field program, the upgrade carries national significance. According to Director of Track & Field and Cross Country Kris Boey, the field house now features one of the latest-generation Mondo Super X track surfaces, a distinction held by only a small number of facilities nationwide.
That matters in concrete ways. Surface quality affects injury prevention, training consistency, and competitive readiness. It also helps with recruiting and hosting meets, particularly in a region where winter limits outdoor options.
Zipp emphasized that the renovation extends beyond athletics. The improved natural light and flexible layout reinforce the field house’s role as a multipurpose hub, serving both the university and the wider community.
A Full Winter Schedule Ahead
The upgraded Gordon Field House will be on public display throughout January and February. Ohio Wesleyan’s track and field teams will host three meets: the OWU Alumni Meet on January 10, the OWU Team Challenge on January 24, and the OWU Open on February 13.
On February 14, the building will host the Bishop Backers’ annual Delaware Expo as part of Winter Community Day. The event includes free admission to the Battling Bishops’ basketball doubleheader against Wooster at 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM with a canned food donation, along with opportunities to connect with local organizations and businesses.
Nearly 50 years after it first opened, Gordon Field House is still doing its job. It is simply doing it better now, with clearer light, stronger surfaces, and a renewed sense of purpose.
Source: OWU; Photo: Paul Vernon
