UD upgrades indoor facility and honors longtime administrator

A sign of the wall of the facility reads:

“The Owens Training Center honors Joe Owens and his decades of service to UD student athletes. Joe has been a champion for all athletes in their sport, academic and personal achievements for over 20 years. As a mentor he has guided many athletes to fulfill their personal potential. He has been a confidant to all.

“The Owens Training Center also serves as a testament to the special connection between Joe and Colin Connor. They have been inseparable friends with an unbreakable bond since 2002. The two have shared countless memories and experiences as colleagues and friends. Most importantly, they share a passion for positivity and encouragement of others.

“Colin has chosen to honor his friendship with Joe through the Owens Training Center, which will serve all student-athletes as an indoor training center and be a symbol of Joe and Colin’s commitment to all athletes in all sports.”

The Owens Training Facility includes:

• The Rev. Charles L. Collins Turf Practice Surface, a 13,925 square foot synthetic turf multi-sport surface.

• New lighting and sound system.

• The Bro. Elmer Lackner Running Track, a 9,700 square-foot mondo track surface that runs around the perimeter of the facility.

• New equipment for the track and field team and new training equipment for other sports.

Athletic Director Neil Sullivan, who didn’t want to put an exact dollar figure on the project but said it was in the millions, said the Joe Owens Training Facility is the most transformative project that supports all UD athletes since the renovation of the opening of the Olsen Athletics Performance Center at the Frericks Center in 2014. Prior to the renovation, there was no turf in the facility. That addition allows many more athletes to use the space.

“This project benefits all 425 athletes, all 17 sports,” Sullivan said. “It’s an indoor training space for football, soccer, baseball (etc.). Even our basketball teams will be in here doing conditioning.”

Owens arrived at UD as a strength and conditioning coach for the men’s basketball team in 1987. He worked for Don Donoher in the final two seasons of his tenure and then stayed at UD. He oversees UD’s sports medicine, strength and conditioning and nutrition and sports psychology programs. He also serves as an administrator for men’s and women’s tennis, men’s and women’s cross country, women’s track and field and rowing.