A collaborative effort supported by generous contributions from multiple community partners is set to transform the Oskaloosa High School weight room into a safer, more functional training space for students and athletes across grade levels. The $170,000 modernization project has received major funding from the George Daily Family Trust ($55,000), Cargill Cares ($20,000), the Oskaloosa Booster Club ($15,000), and the Mahaska County Community Foundation ($7,500), reflecting a strong shared investment in student health, safety, and success.
“This grant will fund new flooring with inlaid platforms, 12 power racks, 12 dumbbell benches, 12 Olympic bars, three sets of plyometric boxes, new bumper plates, and a wall wrap on the south end of the building to brand the space with Oskaloosa pride,” said Brett Doud, Director of Human Performance. “The goal is for students to walk into a completely revamped facility when school resumes next fall.”
Oskaloosa Schools is seeking additional grant funding to complete the renovation.
Culture Shift and Student Growth
The renovation is part of a broader effort to enhance the school’s activities and overall school culture. Doud emphasized the importance of providing students with a high-quality training environment.
“We want our kids to feel excited and supported,” he said. “They’ll be walking into a first-class experience with top-tier equipment and an environment that’s both functional and inspiring.”
Usage of the weight room has increased significantly in recent years. Previously, fewer than 50 students trained in the facility on a weekly bases. Now, more than 300 students in grades 8-12 use the facility regularly.
“This is an increase from about 15-20% of our student athletes engaging in consistent training to about 80%,” Doud said. “Every day and every opportunity matters as we push toward our ultimate goal of developing lifetime wellness habits in all students who train in our facility. This investment shows not only the tremendous support we have from our school leaders but also our community and neighboring partners. We are so grateful and thankful for the support.”
Safety and Efficiency Improvements
Safety is a primary focus of the renovation. The current weight platforms, which are elevated 1-2 inches above the floor, pose tripping hazards and limit usable space. The new design will feature inlaid platforms flush with the floor, reducing risks and increasing efficiency.
“We’re working with 20-35 kids in the room at any given time,” Doud said. “The new layout will improve safety and functionality, making it easier for students to move freely around the room from one movement to the next.”
The improvements also align with the school’s core value of efficiency. A recent change allows students to train in the weight room during physical education classes, reducing the need for early morning or late-night workouts.
“There’s nothing efficient about a 12-hour day for a student trying to balance academics, athletics, nutrition, and rest,” Doud said. “This change helps prevent burnout while trying to create as much efficiency as we can in our student’s schedules with regard to weight training.”
The improvements extend beyond the high school. The goal is to repurpose the quality existing equipment within a middle school facility, providing younger students with better training opportunities.
“We’re saving eight power racks, along with multiple barbells, bumper plates, and two cable machines for the middle school,” Doud said. “Eventually, we would like to see dedicated weight rooms at both campuses in an effort to create functional training space for students in both buildings.”
Momentum for the Future
With renovations set for potential completion by late summer, Doud sees this investment as a catalyst for continued growth not only in Oskaloosa’s athletic programs but also in the classroom as students develop greater discipline and work habits.
“This is more than just a renovation; it’s a statement about the value we place on our students and their growth,” he said. “We’re building a culture of excellence, and this is one step toward helping our kids succeed.”
Oskaloosa High School students accept a $20,000 check from Cargill Cares to support the renovation of their weight room, part of a $170,000 project to enhance student training and safety. The Cargill donation was the first donation to the project, which is scheduled for installation this summer. Pictured are Savanna Williams, Hannah Romanco, and Ryan Colter from Cargill and Oskaloosa High School students.