When a new freshman reports in early August to Bison football camp, he becomes familiar not only with the coaches but also with the athletic trainers and the team doctor as well.The coaches teach the plays, but the trainers and team doctor keep his body in shape in order to play.
Harding is fortunate to have an excellent training staff led by Dr. Jim Citty, who is being honored during the Homecoming festivities tomorrow with the opening of the new athletic complex bearing his name. Citty played tight end for the Bison football team beginning in 1959 and was inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame in 1990.
Head coach Ronnie Huckeba said it was fitting that this state of the art facility bears his name.
“Citty was a member of the first football team here in the modern era,” Huckeba said.”He’s been our team doctor since 1975.”
Jim Citty is a retired lieutenant colonel of the United States Army, for which he served on the medical staff.He currently works as a general practice physician at White County Medical Center.
Citty frequently lectures on campus for the exercise science majors and is often in the training facility evaluating injuries.
He is a strong supporter of Bison athletics and of the Harding athletic training program.
“There’s nobody that has been more involved with our athletic training program than Dr. Citty,” Huckeba said.”A lot of people wanted to be involved in honoring him.We have been very fortunate to have some very generous people help us and we are still in the process of raising funds to finish it out.”
This new facility will bear the name of an individual who truly cares for the athletes at Harding.
The $1.6 million facility began construction in February 2011 and includes 21,000 square feet of space for the players to train and rehab.
The 4,000 square-foot locker room is named after former Harding coach John Prock.
“Coach Prock was here from 1967 to 1987 and literally built the program with his own hands in those early days,” Huckeba said.”Coach Prock was my coach when I came here as a freshman in 1973.”
This new locker room will replace the old one, which will be shared between other sports.
The 7,000 square foot weight room with all of the latest equipment will be a highlight on the tour for new recruits.It will be called the Griffin Weight Room in honor of a family that has a long association with Harding and is a generous supporter of this new facility.
It is a special honor of Laurie Griffin Newby who lost her battle with breast cancer last November.
“She was the wife of Harding Academy’s coach Newby,” Huckeba said.”She was the sister of Chad and Steven Griffin who both played football at Harding. She was the daughter of Ray Griffin and the sister-in-law of Roddy Mote who also played football here. We are especially excited to be able to honor Laurie.”
The 5,000 square-foot athletic training area includes spaces for rehabilitation and a hydrotherapy room.
There is also a large laundry area complete with an industrial-size washer and dryer.
“Our equipment managers are very happy with the on-site laundry facility,” Huckeba said. “No more trucking the dirty laundry across campus.”
The majority of the complex will be complete for the open house taking place Saturday at 11 a.m.Huckeba said that, “A Wall of History is yet to come and will be something to look forward to.”
This facility will no doubt serve the Harding athletes well for many years to come.It will also be a key recruiting tool for the Bisons as the football program continues to gain national recognition in Division II.
“This new football complex is going to be outstanding for our players and coaches, and we have dreamed about a facility like this for a long time,” Huckeba said.”But our prayer for this new addition is to help the football team with its ultimate mission — to Honor God.”
