Augusta University officially opened the Alvin and Yvette Harris Sports Performance Center on Wednesday afternoon with a ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating the generosity and support of the Harris family.
A new era for Jaguar Athletics
Located in the upper mezzanine of Christenberry Fieldhouse on the Forest Hills Campus, the new facility represents a major step forward for Jaguar Athletics.
The performance center offers student-athletes a modern space for training, conditioning and performance development.
“This facility not only impacts every student-athlete here, but it also makes a significant difference for every student who walks through these halls,” said Ryan Erlacher, director of athletics. “We take tremendous pride in this space, and we are very proud to represent the Harris name on our wall.”
Modern design focused on performance
The new performance center includes eight fully equipped training stations, each with custom Augusta University branding, adjustable dumbbells ranging from 5 to 90 pounds, and an in-ground branded platform. At the center lies a lane of custom blue turf featuring the university’s signature “A” logo, designed for speed and agility drills.
The space also includes Nautilus strength machines, Star Trac cardio equipment, and a StairMaster HIIT bike, providing a versatile environment for student-athletes across all sports.
Head Strength and Conditioning Coach Jacob Topple said the impact of the new facility has already been transformative.
“We interact with these students day in and day out, sometimes more than their sport coaches,” Topple said. “The difference this space makes on their mindset and training is tremendous. It’s a game changer for what we’re able to do with our student-athletes.”
Student athletes show gratitude to Harris family
Student athletes Sierra Burns, of the women’s basketball team, and Dean Wilken, of the men’s golf team, also spoke during the ceremony, expressing gratitude for the couple’s generosity.
“I’ve been a student athlete here for three years, and the amount of investment and leadership poured into us has been inspiring,” said Sierra Burns, a member of the women’s basketball team.
“It’s amazing to have access to the latest equipment and the opportunity to keep improving ourselves, our teams, and our community. Thank you, Alvin and Yvette, for believing in us as student-athletes and contributing to the betterment of us all.”
As guests toured the new training space, the Harris family stood beside student athletes and university leaders to officially cut the ribbon which marks a new chapter for Jaguar Athletics.
