CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. – Southeast Missouri's weight room renovation project is substantially complete at Student Recreation Center-South.

"The weight room renovation is a huge step forward for Southeast Athletics," said interim Director of Athletics Brady Barke. "Not only will it allow us to better train our student-athletes, but it will also serve as a tremendous recruiting tool for our coaches."

Indoor turf, weights, equipment and lifting platforms were added as part of the renovation, which cost $500,000. The facility now has more space and equipment to handle Southeast's larger teams or multiple teams training at the same time. Other things such as branding and lighting are yet to be finished.

"It's a night and day difference," said Southeast strength and conditioning coach Ryan Johnson. "Everything in there is top of the line. It gives our student-athletes something they can be proud of and excited to train in."

New equipment includes a total of 17 hammer strength elite racks, 17 Eleiko Olympic barbells, Werksan custom plates, Iron grip dumbbells and extra Texas power bars.

"This enhances our training with the best equipment available," added Johnson. "The new setup also allows us to have multiple teams in at once and all athletes have access to the same equipment. Training will be more efficient for our student-athletes."

Redhawk teams began training in their upgraded facility this week.