by Sean Markland

Bellbrook High School is preparing for a major step forward in its athletic programs with plans for a new athletic facility that will expand opportunities for student athletes and strengthen the school’s sports community.

According to Bellbrook’s athletic director, Charlie O’Dell, the idea for the new facility came from one issue: space. “The biggest thing is the weight room is too small,” O’Dell explained. “The size of the new building should be a lot better and bigger, and it should have much more space.”

The new design will feature a larger weight room, more weight racks, and an indoor turf area that can be used year round. “There will be more weight racks, turf, and just a bigger overall space,” O’Dell said.

The project has already made progress on fundraising, with about $600,000 raised so far toward a goal of $1.2 million. “We’re on track fundraising-wise,” O’Dell said. “We need ideally $300,000 by the end of 2025 to break ground in the spring.”

Once the project receives the $900,000, the goal is to break ground in the spring and hope to gain the extra $300,000 to open the building by August 1, 2026.

One of the biggest benefits of the new facility is how it will serve every athlete and not just one sport. “The weight room benefits everyone,” O’Dell said. “Being strong and explosive helps in every sport. I just want to see kids lifting as much as possible, bettering themselves, and getting as many people in the weight room as possible.”

Student athletes are already excited about what’s coming. Freshman Julian Smith is super excited to use it. “It looks nice, and I can’t wait to use it. But it looks like it will take a lot of money before it can start being built,” Smith said.

Students believe the new building will change their athletic experience for the better. “I think it’ll help improve Bellbrook athletes by giving them an opportunity to improve their game and athletic ability for all sports,” Smith said.

The school plans to add an indoor turf field that plans to be around 90-95 feet. This will be especially helpful for sports giving them a chance to play indoors through rough winters. “When it’s cold, we always have to train outside,” sophomore Kai Lassiter said. “But with the new building, hopefully we can go inside and get our training done there instead of playing outside.”

If you are interested in helping fund the project, you can contact Mr O’Dell at  charlie.odell@bss.k12.oh.us or visit this link sugarcreek.k12.oh.us/FacilityFundraisng.aspx.