Oct. 13, 2006

SAULT STE. MARIE - The Lake Superior State Department of Athletics is holding a dinner/dance on Saturday, Oct. 21, to benefit "Home Court Advantage," which is the Lakers' campaign to raise money for Bud Cooper Gymnasium's new wood floor.

The dinner/dance will be from 5-11:30 p.m. at the Elks Lodge. The Benoits will will cater the meal, which includes food donated by the Christopher Columbus Hall, and live music will be performed by Rainbow. Tickets are $15 and available at the Norris Center Ticket Office. Tickets can also be purchased at the door. Autore Oil and M Bank are also sponsors of the event.

LSSU's goal is to replace its portable gymnasium floor with a new wall-to-wall permanent hardwood floor by the fall of 2007. The estimated cost of the project is $300,000. The portable wood floor, which was purchased from Northern Michigan University in 1999 and refurbished, has already exceeded its life span. The Cooper Gymnasium floor is used by LSSU's varsity basketball and volleyball teams, as well as the public.

According to Kris Dunbar, LSSU director of athletics, Lake Superior State is approximately one-third of the way toward reaching its goal. All proceeds from the dinner/dance will directly benefit this project.

"With the portable floor depreciating past its expectancy, it is important to replace it within the next year," Dunbar said. "Normal wear and tear, and the age of the floor make continued use a major challenge."

"Home Court Advantage" committee members understand that they have taken on a big project, but are confident that they can reach their goal. They are also looking forward to hosting a fun evening for Laker fans.

"The community supports LSSU in so many ways, and we appreciate every contribution," Dunbar continued. "We are excited about the opportunity to provide a facility for our athletes that helps them compete on a national scale. The public will take pride in this building and have a chance to enjoy it when they send their kids to our camps, attend special events or watch our athletes perform."