By COLE REIF
Great Bend Post
A chance to celebrate Barton Community College’s rich athletic tradition and accomplishments. That is how Athletic Director Trevor Rolfs describes the renovations that are starting up inside the main basketball gym.
With no more basketball games at home, the process to renovate the Cougar Den and Hall of Fame will get underway. Major construction will wait until after Barton’s graduation ceremony in May.
"We're making it modern, upgrading, more interactive and more special," said Rolfs. "You celebrate. You celebrate the history of all of those who have come before and made Barton what it is."
The project will include a new Cougar Den on the south end of the gym overlooking the court, removing the bleachers on the second level. The Cougar Den will include an interactive Hall of Fame space where patrons can browse the college’s Hall of Fame inductees.
Rolfs said the renovation, handled by Mammoth Sports Construction, will not exceed $3 million and is entirely paid for with private donations.
"You talk about being fortunate as the athletic director here...all of the dollars raised for the project are from private donations," said Rolfs. "Many people think a lot about the college from this community and our service area. They have wanted to see this happen for a long time."
Along with the Cougar Den and Hall of Fame, the project will include renovations to the west hallway with the concession stands, guard rail replacement around the second floor and locker room improvements.
Barton hopes to have the project complete by Nov. 1, 2025.