Take a peak behind CIU’s McQuilkin Seminary building and it’s obvious something big is going on. The first thing you notice is the noise. The roar of oversized bulldozers and the buzz of chainsaws mingle with the scent of fresh cut pine trees. What was an occasionally used picnic spot is in the first stages of becoming a $3 million Sports and Fitness Center. The goal is to have the center in operation by March of next year.

The Sports and Fitness Center will house a large full-size basketball court, auxiliary courts, aerobics room, cardiovascular machines, free weights and dumbbells. There will also be a lounge area with wireless Internet.

The center will not only help CIU students stay fit, it also opens the way for the school to take part in intercollegiate sports. Never in its 83-year history has CIU fielded a sports team as part of an intercollegiate athletics association.

CIU Dean of Students Rick Swift is looking into having CIU join the NCCAA, the National Christian College Athletic Association. He says CIU could field teams for basketball, volleyball, soccer and softball as early as the 2007-2008 school year.

View video and images of the progress on the Sports & Fitness Center below.