(COVINGTON, La.) — The official construction completion date for the new gym was originally set for the end of October, but work is ahead of schedule and should be completed by the end of September, according to Principal Trevor Watkins.

“I’m ready to get into a gym that has air conditioning as soon as possible,” said sophomore Ealon Boudreaux.

The new gym will also be much bigger, bringing more seats for the students. In the current gym, many students have to sit on the floor during big events, such as prayer services, and Principal Assemblies.

“Sitting on the floor was horrid, especially during Mass,” said junior AJ LaCroix. “And the junior section of the stands, for some reason, seems to be especially tight.”

Although the new gym will be up and running soon, the older gym has recently undergone many changes and renovations, as well.

“The old wrestling room is now being used as a workout room,” Watkins said. “The old gym is now primarily being used as a wrestling gym, and the old workout room is now extra locker room space.”

The new workout room has been outfitted with new equipment and rubber floors.

“The old gym’s (newly updated) workout room is an asset to our facility,” said P.E. instructor and long-time user of the workout facilities, Mick Nunez.

According to SPS President Bro. Ray Bulliard, FSC, doing the updates to the old gym at the same time as the new construction significantly reduced the construction costs, since the construction company charges per day on site.

Part of the design for the new gym includes a new classroom, offering a new level of educational opportunities for the physical education program.

“It will be much easier for both teachers and students learning Health while being in a classroom,” Watkins said.

The new and improved workout room is open to all students after school, as long as a coach or teacher is present. The facility is also open for faculty members, and a handful of teachers have started taking advantage of the new equipment.

“Its a great convenience being able to workout after school with brand-new equipment,” said junior Tyler Petro, who frequently uses the new facility.