SALEM, Ore. – Corban University has announced plans to construct a brand-new, state-of-the-art court inside the C.E. Jeffers Sports Center, naming the new floor after legendary Warrior men's basketball coach, Tim Hills.
"This new court is an incredible gift to the Corban community," said interim athletic director Sue Roth. "We are so thankful and excited to have a first-class home for our teams, intramurals, and classes. This is a bright ray of hope in the middle of challenging times."
The newly-designed hardwood—which will be used by the Navy and Gold men's and women's basketball teams, volleyball squad, as well as the men's and women's wrestling programs—will feature an imprint of the Corban campus hilltop, featuring silhouettes of the iconic clock tower and Psalm Center. In addition—in a nod to the school's rich history competing within Oregon's capital city—the design will showcase a pair of Salem's most-recognizable landmarks, the rotunda of the Oregon capitol building and the Minto Island Bridge.
"We are beyond excited for the upgrade to the new gym floor," said head men's basketball coach Mitch Freeman. "The court embodies our community, honors the great coach Tim Hills, and supports the needs and safety of our student-athletes."
Arguably the most famed head coach in Warrior history, Hills made an immeasurable impact during his 23 years leading the men's basketball team. During three separate stints (1969-72, '74-'83, '87-'98) at the helm, he compiled the most wins in program history (392). Now, his legacy will be honored for decades to come at the top of Corban's campus, with the new gym floor dedicated to preserving his impact for future generations of student-athletes.
"My words cannot explain the excitement I felt knowing we would be provided with a much-needed new court this coming fall," said head volleyball coach Kim McLain. "Not only does the design set Corban University apart with its uniqueness, but the court also provides an excellent surface for our athletes to practice and compete on."
"This new floor will enhance our program and reflect Corban University for years to come," said head women's basketball coach Bill Pilgeram. "It is an amazing blessing to be able to provide our athletes with the highest-quality facility, improve their health and safety, and continue a tradition of excellence in Corban Athletics!"
The court's renovation was made possible by a generous donation from Bob and Barb Pelascini, who attended Western Baptist Bible College in the 1960s.
With construction starting on Wednesday, the project is scheduled to be completed in early June.
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