Summer 2007 - Hannibal-LaGrange University

6 Campus News
HLG Expands List
of NAIA Sports
Wrestling and Track & Field
The Hannibal-LaGrange Athletic Department announced the
additions of two intercollegiate programs to the already expanded
list of NAIA sports offerings, beginning the fall of 2007.
The HLG Trustee Board enthusiastically approved the additions of
men’s and women’s track and field, and men’s wrestling programs.
Dr. Woodrow Burt, HLG President, highlighted the connection of
the new athletic programs to the Building for the Future capital
campaign. “The addition of new programs is another component
of our capital campaign initiative,” continued Burt. “As we expand
and build new facilities, we hope to continue to develop new
programming in both athletic and academic areas. These programs
are a tangible symbol to show our neighbors we are ‘building
for the future’ by meeting the educational needs of tomorrow’s
student.”
Groundbreaking for
Secker Fieldhouse
The sharp edge of the gold painted shovel cut deep into the
ground to symbolize the beginning of new construction on the
campus of Hannibal-LaGrange College. Students, faculty, staff,
trustees, and friends of the college attended the groundbreaking
ceremony for the Secker Fieldhouse on Friday, March 16.
“We have gathered here
today to break ground
for the construction of a
building that reflects our
progress as promised,”
said Dr. Woodrow Burt,
President of HLG. “We
recently announced the
addition of a wrestling program, and in
order for us to add that program we must
provide additional space. This building
is being made possible thanks to the
generosity of a longtime friend of HLG,”
said Burt.
Burt went on to acknowledge and thank
Mr. Girard (Gardy) Secker of Hannibal,
Missouri, whom the fieldhouse will be
named after. While in college at Southern
Dr. Tom Hufty, vice president for collegiate affairs and
administrator for the athletic department, welcomes these new
programs. “Adding these programs to our growing athletic
department will provide additional avenues for prospective
student athletes to compete on the college level,” continued Hufty.
“These athletes will be able to perfect their skills, raise their level
of competition, and get a quality education in a healthy, safe
environment.”
HLG is a Division I NAIA (National Association of Intercollegiate
Athletics) school and a member of the American Midwest
Conference.
Illinois University, Secker participated in an intramural
wrestling tournament and won first place in his division. After
witnessing Secker’s performance, SIU offered him a place on
the university team. Secker has been a supporter of HLG for
many years and was eager to help further the athletic program
at HLG. The Secker family has played pivotal roles in the life
of Hannibal-LaGrange College. Harry Houck, grandfather of
Girard Secker, was instrumental in getting LaGrange College to
relocate to Hannibal in 1928. Secker’s late father, Jerry Secker,
served as a trustee of HLG, and his mother, Helen Secker, has
generously supported the college for many years.
Secker is optimistic about the new wrestling program. “I
feel good about the program,” added Secker. “I hope they are
successful, of course, and I’d like to see them do a good job in
getting the program started, and then carrying on a first-class
program.”
The Secker Fieldhouse will house the Secker Wrestling
Program. The approximately 6,000-square-foot fieldhouse will
provide added locker room and training spaces for wrestling
and outdoor sports. The fieldhouse is expected to be ready for
occupancy in the fall of 2007.