Thacker Fieldhouse opens opportunities for Kingsmen Athletes

By COOPER REIHL

Over the years, Penn High School has been a staple for producing successful teams and athletes to play at the next level.

Already being one of the top athletic programs in Indiana, how does Penn step up its game to provide its athletes with even more training opportunities?

The answer comes in Penn’s brand new state-of-the-art Dr. Jerry and Donna Thacker Fieldhouse. The $19-million facility opened in January and is currently allowing athletes to participate in team practices only.

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Eventually, athletes will be able to access it whenever they please to put in their own work. The Fieldhouse provides a 200-meter track, 10 wrestling mats, four batting cages, and five basketball/volleyball courts. 

The Fieldhouse allows more athletes the opportunity to develop their skills and beat the harsh winter conditions.

“The facility has allowed us to start training earlier than ever before,” Track athlete Keagan Zaber said. “These months of extra preparation have our conditioning and technique at a standard that would normally take us months into spring to achieve.”

Cross Country running star Shreya Nayee agreed with Zaber about how the Fieldhouse will give Penn athletes an advantage.

“The Fieldhouse will give me a chance to run inside when I’m unable to run around my neighborhood during the winter,” Nayee said.

Head Baseball Coach Greg Dikos makes sure his players appreciate having such a special facility.

“You are blessed to have such a great area to practice, so treat this place with respect,” Dikos tells his players.

So far, nothing but positive feedback has been directed towards the fieldhouse, and many coaches are showing their appreciation.

Although they are not yet “set in stone,” possible future plans for the fieldhouse per Athletic Director, Jeff Hart, are to “expand into more phases and add a turf space on the back.” There’s much more space that Penn owns, so expansion is becoming a target. Bleachers will also be added shortly, allowing events to be held here and fans to come and watch to support our developing Kingsmen stars.

Speed training is also held at the Fieldhouse every Tuesday and Thursday mornings to help the Kingsmen have even more opportunities to enhance their talent. This opportunity is open to all athletes, and head of strength and conditioning Coach Cates said that, “Everybody can benefit from getting faster and more explosive for their sport, so this is a great way for athletes to get the extra work in.”