The band blared as the cheerleaders pumped their pom-poms Friday morning during the groundbreaking for the new $7 million San Mateo High School gymnasium.
Students, faculty, and city officials all celebrated the coming of the new gym when it's completed next year. The new 27,200 square-foot state-of-the-art facility will be a drastic improvement from the old 1926 gym, which has leaks springing through the ceiling, poor audience visibility, and outmoded locker rooms.
The new one, built with Measure D funds and city redevelopment money will have a collegiate-level basketball court, a wait training and wrestling facility, a full dance and aerobics studio, and new locker rooms and showers.
"This gym is just another way for Bearcat athletes to shine," said school body president Derek Janden.
But the old gym, known as "The Pit" will not go down without fond memories.
"I'm amazed at the spirit and noise that could be produced by students at a basketball game," said Jeff Brown, a Bearcat parent and avid San Mateo High sports fan. He told the crowd about the time he fired up a popcorn machine in the old gym during a game, and the scoreboard went out, leaving the coaches of the two competing teams to battle over the time left in the quarter.
"My hope and expectations are that the new gym will allow popcorn and basketball games to coexist," Brown said.
The Bearcats will be making their transition into their new gym this time next year.
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