June 2, 2001

RUSTON - Louisiana Tech's newest addition to its athletic facilities, the 2.5 million dollar Charles Wyly Athletic Center that will adjoin Joe Aillet Fieldhouse, is nearing completion, according to Tech Athletic Director Jim Oakes.

The approximate 15,000-square foot building will house coaches offices, meeting rooms, conference centers, a state-of-the-art athletic training facility as well as a beautiful Tech football sports museum, showcasing 100 years of Tech football history.

Murphy and Orr Exhibits, the leader in the collegiate athletic museum business, has designed the displays, which will consist of an all-sports light wall, an All-American wall featuring every Bulldog football player to earn the prestigious honor, an Air Corps wall featuring some of Tech's top quarterbacks and receivers, a Defensive Domination wall, a Bulldog football timeline and much more.

"I think our fans will be pleased with the finished product," Oakes said. "The entire facility will be a wonderful addition to our athletic programs as all of our athletes will benefit from the new training room."

Oakes said Murphy and Orr Exhibits is scheduled to install the displays June 11-15. In addition to Tech's museum, the Atlanta, Ga., based company had completed several projects for other schools including Auburn, Arkansas, Duke, Georgia and Georgia Tech.