BUCHANAN — Buchanan High School’s weight room was in dire need of renovations and replacements.

The original weight room facility was constructed in 2004, along with the school’s auxiliary gym and it had not seen a facelift since that time.

Buchanan’s athletic director Lonnie Hoover reached out to the Michigan Gateway Community Foundation and applied for a grant to cover the costs of this much-needed renovation. Michigan Gateway was able to develop a plan for funding that allowed Buchanan High School to move forward with the renovations.

Buchanan contacted a company to help redesign the weight room space to help student-athletes maximize the space and their fitness needs. Added to the weight room were new dumbbell sets, lifting racks, cardio equipment, kettlebells and a functional trainer for sport-specific lifts.

The redesign has allowed for more space to be open so more full-body lifts can take place as well. In addition to all these improvements, the Buchanan High School Art Club painted the school logos on the walls as the finishing touches.

“The new weight room has changed my life both mentally and physically,” said Buchanan senior and three-sport athlete Cam Lorance. “I have learned so many life lessons and have found it improves my well-being.”

Senior basketball and softball player Emma Lozmack feels the new weight room, “has created a new environment and a positive impact on preparing her and her teammates for the upcoming seasons.”

New Buchanan football coach Mark Frey knows that the updated weight room will help the football program as well.

“The weight room update has been an essential component to our football program, not only to get stronger but to build unity amongst our team,” he said. “My hope is that one day it will even bring unity among all sports. We are starting to see a culture change here at Buchanan, and we are excited that the weight room is at the center of that change. Buchanan has already seen an increase of students and athletes using the facility and hopes to teach lifelong health and fitness for all.”