Players say new facilities will help recruiting, current players

On Sunday night the Kansas football players got first look at the new locker rooms built over the summer.

This was a fast turn-around since the project started in early spring. Kansas athletics director Sheahon Zenger told Jayhawk Slant he gives a lot of credit to his staff for coming up with the funds to complete the project.

Senior linebacker Courtney Arnick will get to enjoy the multi-million dollar upgrades for one season.

“I’m excited,” Arnick said. “I have been here for four, going on five years and everywhere I look I see new stuff coming in here. I’m thinking ‘wow is that for us.’ Even when you have been here for a while it is exciting. The feeling that something new gives you energy and motivates you.”

LaQuvionte Gonzalez transferred to Kansas from Texas A&M. The Aggies recently upgraded their facility and he likes the dedication Kansas has shown to the football program.

“It feels good.” Gonzalez said. “Coach Beaty and his staff and the guys that he has hired are doing a great job to get things built for us. They want us to feel like we deserve it and appreciate it.”

Gonzalez said he appreciates new upgrades but in the end he is going to play with maximum effort regardless. When asked if the renovations would matter back when he was a recruit he quickly responded.

“Oh I’d be all in,” he said. “It shows that these coaches and the school care about football.”

Arnick remembers taking his official visit to Kansas. He said the facilities were nice and at the time the Anderson Family Complex was only five years old. He expects it to help with recruiting and the attitude with the young players.

“It goes a long way in recruiting,” Arnick said. “When I came here everything was nice. I liked it and they are good facilities. But once you start seeing all of the artwork and the new designs along with new chairs and furniture if you are a freshman you are thinking it is amazing. I think it is a trend right now where you see more of this happening. It creates a lot of energy and a football environment so it is pretty nice.”

See photos of the new locker room posted by Kansas Football here