In May 2017, a huge project blossomed that would change Riordan: a group of alumni donors contributed to help refurbish the gym and re-establish Riordan as a basketball powerhouse.
Last year, phase one of this project, which included new hoops, scoreboard, and scorers’ table, kickstarted the renovation of the gym and cost $125,000. This was only a small taste of what was yet to come.
The main part of the second phase, what everyone was anticipating, started in May and is now finished. It was a huge project: taking out all the previous flooring and putting in a brand new one, painting walls, hanging up banners, fixing the bleachers, and installing a new sound system.
The much anticipated gym was made possible because of many donors with close ties to Kevin Restani ’70, a legendary Riordan alumnus, the Olympic Club, and other donors. This second phase cost $710,000.
Finance Director Annette Brown said, “A big thank you to the Board of Trustees, building and grounds crew, and instrumental alumni who made this happen!”
The decision to have a parquet floor, like the fabled Boston Garden, was an aesthetic one. According to Brown, it was
chosen because “we wanted to be unique.” The cost was approximately 1 percent more expensive than a regular floor.
The floor is made of maple, and comes from North Carolina. It was constructed by H.Y. Floor and Gameline Painting, who gave the school specific care instructions such as, “use walk-off mats in doorways and hallways,” “wipe up any spills immediately,” “make sure chair and table legs are properly protected with felt or rubber protectors,” “do not allow shoes with high heels or black soles,” and “do NOT use tape on your floor.”
The company also recommends that the floor be sanded down to the bare wood and refinished every five to 10 years.
The floor was torn out to the very base of the ground, and rebuilt layer upon layer of new wood, which will enhance the court feel and eliminate “dead spots,” meaning, the ball did not bounce as well as in other areas, or as it should. Many people who have been to Riordan have not played or even been on the court, so they had no clue about dead spots, but to players, they are apparent and problematic. Diminishing them will make a big difference.
Many of the changes are more than cosmetic and won’t be noticed by outsiders. Playing on the court, the players, will notice the biggest difference between the new and old courts.
The gym was ready on Oct. 20. It was originally projected to be done by September, but there was a delay because of the numerous other jobs that the construction company, HY Floors, had to do.
Also, along with the booked schedule, the parquet style flooring involved more work.
Pride is important in Riordan athletics, so restoring the gym will “improve the best WCAL gym,” said Riordan Athletic Director Mike Gilleran.
The separation from the stands and the court gives the court an arena type of feel, which is unmatched in the league. It is like the Roman Colosseum in terms of playing, knowing everyone is watching. The school hopes the remodel will attract students to come to more games, and give the band more incentive to play proudly in a beautiful gym.
“I am looking forward to the new bounce in the floors, which will definitely increase athletic performance,” said Josh Ray ’18, a varsity basketball player excited to start playing on the new floor.
Jay’sen Morris ‘07, Riordan head football coach, open gym player, and scoreboard keeper, is looking forward to the new gym opening. “I usually run the stairs, but the remodel was affecting me getting my cardio in, but the gym after (the remodel) should be spectacular.”
Many hope the gym will bring a new energy to the school and re-establish the basketball team as one of the best in the WCAL.
