Roxbury Community College Reggie Lewis Track and Athletic Center

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Reggie Lewis: "His Legacy'

Boston Celtics' captain, Reggie Lewis, was 27 years old when he died in 1993.
Considered a star, both on and off the court, Lewis was renowned not only for
his stellar scoring talents and leadership on the court, but also for his generosity,
humility and compassion. Loved for his willingness to give, as well as for his
reserved, unassuming nature, Lewis served as an inspiration to people from all
walks of life and as a role model to young people all over the world.

Although he enjoyed success with the Celtics, Lewis was always identified with
Northeastern University. Former Northeastern University President, John Curry,
once proclaimed Lewis to be "Northeastern's best athlete ever." He was slated
to graduate in June of 1994, but due to his untimely death he was posthumously
conferred with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice and an Honorary
Doctorate in Humanities. Lewis ended his Northeastern basketball career as the
Huskies' all-time leading scorer, with a game high record of 41 points and a season
high record of 748. Famous for soaring jump shots, he was also the highest scorer
in the history of New England Division I basketball, leading the Huskies to four
consecutive Eastern College Athletic Conference/North Atlantic Conference titles
and four trips to the National Collegiate Athletic Association tournament. While
at Northeastern, Lewis was voted Player of the Year three times and Rookie of
the Year as a freshman. On January 21, 1989, Northeastern University retired his
number "35" before a capacity crowd at Matthews Arena. The North Atlantic
Conference named its annual tournament Most ValuablePlayer award in his
honor. The first Reggie Lewis MVP Award was presented in March of 1994.
In September of 1995 Reggie was elected to the Northeastern Hall of Fame for
his extraordinary accomplishments in basketball.

Lewis joined the Boston Celtics as their number one draft choice in 1987, and was
eventually selected as the 6th Celtics captain succeeding Larry Bird. On March ZZ,
1995 his number "35" was the last number retired in the old Boston Garden. The
Boston Celtics established the Reggie Lewis Community Service award in honor
of his tireless commitment to the community.

Lewis left fans around the nation with memories of his professional and per-
sonnel accomplishments. Lewis's widow, Donna Harris-Lewis, has continued her
husband's legacy of kindness through the Reggie Lewis Foundation, Inc., which
annually sponsors events like the Thanksgiving Turkey Giveaway in Boston and
the Christmas Turkey Giveaway in Baltimore. Reggie Lewis' legendary achieve-
ments on the court and his passionate commitment to the Boston and Baltimore
communities, has secured him with a unique immortality.

An Open Letter to Our Community

Roxbury Community College welcomes
you to the Reggie Lewis Track and Athletic-
Center. As the Center's Executive Director,
David Fraizer and I present this first annual
report, we are mindful of the role of the
community to develop and support Roxbury
Community College. The community has
made the College and its new Center the
finest world class facility in New England.
The support of the governor, the legislature,
our residents and schools has been of
tremendous quality Let us share with
you a little more about the RLTAC...

The Center was named after the local
basketball hero, the late Reggie Lewis
who played collegiate basketball for
neighboring Northeastern University
and professionally for the Boston Celtics.
Reggie Lewis was revered not only for his
athletic prowess but for his commitment to
the physical, emotional and personal growth
of youths within the community. It is his
legacy \\ hich, in great part, shapes the
\ ision, mission and goals of the Track
and Athletic Center.

A prominent facility within the Greater
Roxbury community, the Reggie Lewis
Track and Athletic ("enter is adequately
available for use by neighboring residents.
In many respects a sense of community
ownership in the Center will not only
further legitimize its existence but will
also spur support and preservation for
the facility. The mission of the Center
is thoroughly consistent with the mission
of Roxbury Community College with
respect to serving community learning
needs. Further, it is the belief of Roxbury
( immunity College that a diverse mission
is most fitting for a community college born
of community efforts and committed to the
full development of that community.

The mission of the Reggie Lewis Track and Athletic Center is multifaceted:

■ To serve as a forum to accommodate state high school track meets

■ To provide a first class athletic facility for RCC students and the neighboring community

■ To provide RCC students with education and training opportunities in careers in the athletic field

■ To serve as a facility for the promotion of physical well being and good health for the residents of
the community

The Reggie Lewis Track and Athletic Center is the result of more than three decades of struggle for the
construction of a 1st class facility to host track meets for statewide high school competition. In our first year
of operation we have hosted all MSTCA meets, in addition to the National Scholastic Indoor Championship
Meet. The facility was also designed to provide an athletic and recreational center for community use and
serve as a home base for RCC intercollegiate and intramural events, in addition to housing the College's
Athletic Department.

There are three major components to the RLTAC. The Field House, the Gymnasium and all other fitness
areas which include the nautilus/weight room and the cardiovascular room. These three components com-
bined provide members of the community with a multitude of opportunities to participate in a broad array
of health and fitness activities.

'The Field House seats 3000 spectators. It contains a 200 meter oval track, an eight lane 55 meter dash
run way, provisions for high jump, long/triple jump and pole-vault in addition to practice dash lanes. While
accommodating a four court area for tennis basketball and volleyball, the divider curtains can be dropped for
simultaneous use of the track. The gymnasium furnishes two practice basketball courts with arrangements
for volleyball, wrestling and batting cages for use by RCC's baseball team. The gymnasium currently seats
500 spectators with a seating capacity of 1300 for assemblies.

The nautilus/weight room and the cardiovascular room play an integral role in RITAC's commitment to fit
ness and exercise. The nautilus/weight room houses 20 nautilus machines ranging from the leg extension
machine, the seated tricep dip machine to the abdominal strengthening machine. The free weights range in
size from 51bs to 501bs. The cardiovascular room contains 4 treadmills, 5 bicycles, 4 stair masters and 2 row-
ing machines. As part of our commitment to fitness and exercise the RLTAC also offers 1 1 aerobics/dance
classes a week. These classes include slide aerobics, step aerobics, toning and conditioning, hi/lo impact
aerobics, roots and rhythm and a combination aerobics class.

'The Reggie Lewis Track and Athletic Center will also have a significant function as an academic building.

This facility has seminar and classroom space which is used to accommodate academic programs of the
College. The Center is primarily utilized by physical education, health sciences, sports management

and leisure studies degree and certificate programs.

A sparkling jewel radiating the Southwest Corridor, a beacon for the Roxbury community, the Center
draws diverse groups from across the Commonwealth into the heart of the city of Boston. 'The Reggie Lewis
Track and Athletic Center is a facility deeply committed to serving the education, health and fitness needs of
the College and our adjoining communities..

Our first year was a great success. We look forward to the years ahead and pledge our very best to making
the Reggie Lewis Track and Athletic Center prosperous and beneficial to our community.

•

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President

Roxbury Community College

Executive Director

Reggie Lewis Track and Athletic Center

Table of Contents

Reggie Lewis: "His Legacy"

A Letter to Our Community

The Inaugural Year

What We Have Done

The Track

Fiscal Overview

Membership Information

Roxbury Community College Track Facility Timeline

in

1
3

5
7
9
11

The Inaugural Year

The Reggie Lewis Track and Athletic Center has had a tremendously successful inaugural
year. Every program, event and function has been painstakingly executed at a level of profes-
sionalism and excellence unsurpassed in athletic facility management. Beginning with the
opening gala, hosted by the Roxbury Community College Foundation, on June 16, 1995, the
RLTAC established a superb reputation and performance level which have been consistently
maintained.

Following the opening gala, a long awaited facility Dedication and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
was held on November 5, 1995. The event was an overall success. There was a pre-ceremony
luncheon attended by 220 people, as well as entertainment by the University of Massachusetts
Amherst marching band. In attendance was: Dr. Grace Carolyn Brown, President, Roxbury
Community College, Dr. Donald J. Reaves, Chairman, Roxbury Community College Board of
Trustees, Gov. William Weld, Mrs. Donna Harris-Lewis, State Senator Dianne Wilkerson,
Speaker of the House Charles Flaherty, State Rep. Gloria Fox, Mayor Thomas Menino as well
as other guests from the college and VIP's.

This event was funded totally by outside sources. RLTAC was able to secure two $5,000 spon-
sors. The Reggie Lewis Track and Athletic Center and Roxbury Community College would
like to thank our sponsors: Bank of Boston, Filene's, City Year, Americorps National Service,
Coca-Cola, Copley Place and U.S. Trust. We also offer our sincerest gratitude to the Boston
Police Department, University of Massachusetts Athletic Department, Groove Phi Groove,
Iota Chi Chapter of Omega Psi Phi, Roxbury Youth Works, Wentworth Institute of Technology
and last but certainly not least the participating community members of Greater Boston.

Other distinguished inaugural year events included the National High School Track and Field
Championships, the Hoop Dreams Educational Seminar, the Department of Youth Services
Christmas party, the Higher Educational Coordinating Council annual meeting and the
Roxbury Community College 1996 graduation ceremony.

Along the way the RLTAC staff hosted a number of high school and middle school athletic-
programs which includes the Timulty Middle School, Nativity Prep and Jamaica Plain
Multicultural High School physical education programs. In addition we're provided much
needed practice space for both the Madison Park and the John D. O'Bryant High School
Athletic Programs as well as all of our Roxbury Community College intercollegiate and intra-
mural athletics.

We also managed a full scale high school track season that ran from November 26 through
March 15 and drew teams and athletes from every town and school in this state. We also host-
ed several prestigious meets as the Auerbach Foundation Invitational and the Massachusetts
Intcrscholastic Athletic Association State Championships.

We offered a broad range of summer youth sport camps that were available for interested chil-
dren ranging in age from 7-17. These camps ran daily from mid-July through summers end
and offered instruction in track and field, tennis, basketball and more. In addition, we are
served as host for the City of Boston Youth Clean-up Corps, Summer Jobs Program.

Our community access membership program has surpassed every projection imaginable. As of
this writing we have issued almost 1700 quarterly memberships, maintaining an average mem-
bership of approximately 500 persons per quarter and growing. Approximately 80% of our total
memberships have been issued to residents of the Roxbury/Dorchester communities; a testa-
ment to our stated desire to be both a service and a resource for our neighbors.

Certainly we are proud of our accomplishments to date. However, we are by no means content.
Therefore, we respectfully request that as you peruse this report, please be reminded this is
only the beginning and the future holds even greater progress.

President Grace Carolyn Brown and Governor William Weld
groundbreaking

What We Have Done

The Fall of 1995 saw a number of
new programs started as well as
several major events, all were imple-
mented in conjunction with the
staff of the Reggie Lewis Track and
Athletic Center. The Center also
had 300 inquiries regarding use of
the facility for various events
and functions.

The RLTAC work closely with
the scheduling committee to better
define the use of the facility as it
fits within our vision and mission
statement, as well as the policies
established by our enabling
Legislation and the College. The
programs that are held here must
fall under one of our six established
areas of accountability.

• academics

• athletics

• student development

• high school track

• community access

• health and fitness

In the spirit of promoting physical fitness, the RLTAC is
a favorable site for accommodating an array of programs
and activities directed towards the needs and interests of
many diverse groups. We work in conjunction with the
nearby neighborhood health centers, hospitals, colleges
and universities as well as state and local entities to initi-
ate, implement and facilitate various programs.

Academics

Latino Parents Meeting/Boston Public Schools
College Workshop For RCC Administrative Staff

High School Track

Statewide Public High School Track Meets

Athletics

Nike/Jamal Jackson Memorial Basketball Tournament

Boston Neighborhood Basketball League Annual Awards Banquet

Adopt a School Sports Medicine Program

Nike PLAY. Games

Men's and Women's Varsity Basketball

NJCAA Division III Men's Basketball Championships 1996

Statewide Public Track Meets

Bay State Games

The U.S. Sports and Fitness Center for the Disabled

Converse Wear Test Program

Student Development

Youth Night at the Reggie Lewis Track and Athletic Center

Bridge and Bridges

Mind Time Tutorial Program

Black History Month

Timulty Middle School Recreation Program

First Church of Roxbury After School Program

New Beginnings High School Program

Multi-Cultural High School Physical Education Program

Mo Vaughn Community Center Group

Community Access

High School Community Activity Night for High School Students

Town Meeting/Million Man March

Post Christmas Track and Field Competition

Common Ground Project

City Year Friends and Family Night

Health

Sisters Together Walk-a-thon and Health Fair

Children's Services of Roxbury - Press Conference

Asthma Conference/ Boston City Hospital

Mothers and Daughters Fitness Event

Health and Hospitals EMT Program

Whittier Street Health Center, Men's Exercise Program

In addition to the above major initiatives, Roxbury Community College and the Reggie Lewis
Track and Athletic Center are offering a number of other programs for both the College and
RLTAC members. Programs such as the following have been offered throughout the course of
the year.

• RLTAC Aerobics Program

• RLTAC Dance Program

• RLTAC Martial Arts Program

• RLTAC Walking Program

• RLTAC Muscle Toning Program

Whatever your interest may be, Roxbury Community College hopes that you will take advantage
of the numerous activities offered here at the Reggie Lewis Track and Athletic Center.

The Track

The Massachusetts State Track Coaches Association (MSTCA) consists of high school track
coaches and officials who are devoted to the promotion of that sport for the benefit of high school
athletes. The organization was founded in 1955 when Track and Field and Cross Country were
considered "Minor Sports" and fought to survive the pressures of the times. In those days, these
sports had to be built from the bottom up to provide a full program which would best serve thou-
sands of young people across the state.

The MSTCA has helped to develop that full program to cover the three seasons over the
school year. We sponsor sixteen meets directly and help to form and support other meets as
well. We promoted full scale participation for girls and recognition of their program, which
was accomplished in the late 60's and early 70's. We worked in concert with the Massachusetts
Interscholastic Athletic Association to establish State Meets to establish a full program with large
scale participation by both boys and girls.

Members of the MSTCA took part in the original 1958 planning for a State High School Track
Facility and some of our people have pursued that goal. You now see these results in today's
state-of-the-art facility here at Roxbury Community College.

Robert B. Mclntyre, Executive Director
Massachusetts State Track Coaches Association

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Robert B. Mclntyre, Executive Director of the MSTCA
in front of the Re^ie Lewis 'I rack and Athletic Center

1996 Boston Indoor Olympic Games

The 1996 Boston Indoor Games were held here at the Reggie Lewis Track and Athletic Center.
Some of our athletes who competed in the Games also competed in the 1996 Summer Olympic
Games in Atlanta, GA.

Here is a summary of how our "alums" did at the Summer Games

Athlete

Charles Austin-USA
Chandra Sturrup-Bahamas

Jearl Miles-USA

Sandie Richards-Jamaica
Raymond Stewart-Jamaica
Donovan Powell-Jamaica
Dannette Young-USA
Wagner Marsailles-Haiti
H. Merideth Rainey

Boston Indoor Games

2nd-I ligh Jump
2nd-60 Meters

lst-200 Meters

lst-400 Meters
3rd-60 Meters
lst-60 Meters
3rd -60 Meters
4th-60 H
DNS

Olympic Games

Cold Medal-I ligh Jump
Bronze Medal-4\1()()
4th Place- 100 Meters
6th Place-200 Meters
Ciold Medal-4x4()()
5th Place-400 Meters
7th-40() Meters
Bronze McdaMxlOO
Bronze Medal 4x100
Semi Finalist-200 Meters
Quarterfmalist-110
Semifinalist-800 Meters

Fiscal Overview

The Reggie Lewis Track, and Athletic Center, although an integral component of the Roxbury
Community College Campus, has a separate, annual line item appropriation. Our fiscal year
1996 appropriation, equaling $1,000,000 was consumed, in its entirety, to fund current
operational costs.

As a result of our extensive operational hours - approximately 102 hours per week - and our
high utilization rate, staffing and utility expenses proved to have the largest budgetary impact.
Approximately 80% of our appropriation was consumed by these two components alone and it
is expected that this will continue to place the greatest demands on our annual budget.

Consequently, much time and energy has been expanded during this past year on the effort to
identify and develop additional revenue sources, that would enable us to effectively meet all
of our service demands. Fortunately, the establishment of a legislatively mandated revolving
account allowed us to charge and recover from clients such contracted expenses and services as
police, security, support staff and custodial assistance. This has proven to be a critical factor in
enabling us to complete such a successful inaugural year while also fulfilling our budgetary
obligations.

Despite the limited amount of funds available for programming purposes, it is our assertion that
we have managed to provide a consistent level of high quality services for both our Community
Access Pass holders and the Roxbury Community College Student Body. In fact, our fitness
program is rapidly earning a reputation as one of the best in Greater Boston. Furthermore, our
specially designed wellness programs, such as weight loss, smoker sensation, nutritional and
cardiovascular fitness have addressed many of the diverse needs of all participants.

As you might imagine the development of public and private partnerships has been instrumental
in allowing us to maximize programming dollars and opportunities. Organizations such as Boston
Parks and Recreation, the Boston Celtics, the Reggie Lewis Foundation, Boston Health and
Hospitals, Coca-Cola, Reebok, Nike, Adidas and many other neighboring colleges and universi-
ties are examples of institutions that have played a vital role in assisting us with necessary
resources and personnel.

Hopefully, future developments will provide us with a vehicle to solicit and utilize alternative
funding sources such as corporate donations, available grant monies and private sponsorships.
These potential and very viable revenue sources would greatly assist us in the development
of enhanced services and the containment of future public financial obligations.

Although we are both pleased and proud to proclaim this past year as a resounding success we
are most certainly cognizant of the need to reassess, re-adjust and re-direct. Thatis why we've
identified several additional full time positions that should be filled in the near future so as to
better and more cost-effectively respond to a very evident and growing demand for services.
And that is why we have already begun to identify critical facility structural components that can
reasonably be expected to be in need of repair or replacement within the next three to five years.

RLTAC Revenues and Expenditures for the Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 1996

Revenues

Actual

Budget

Variance

State Appropriation

$1, ()()(),()()()

$1, ()()(),()()()

Membership Fees

$91,323

$50,000(1)

$41,332

Facility Rentals

$72,492

$20,000(1)

$52,492

Concessions

$10,000(1)

$(10,000)

Vending Machines

$2,000(1)

$(2,000)

■

Corporate Sponsors

hip

$20,000(1)

$(20,000)

Total Revenues

$1,163,824

$1,102,000

$61,824

Expenditures

Salaries

$450,273

$450,659

$386

Employee Related Expenses

$1,400

$1,500

$100

Contracted Employees

$2,500

$2,500

$0

Pension & Insurance

$1,753

$9,400

$7,647

Administration

$31,379

$35,000

$3,621

Facility Operation

$36,091

$37,800

$1,709

Consultant Service

$1,730

$5,940

$4,210

Operation (2)

$170,452

$173,901

$3,449

Operation (3)

$69,031

$102,000

$32,969

Equipment

$11,783

$12,000

$217

Lease and Repair

$1,873

$3,300

$1,427

Total Expenditures

$1,046,211

$1,102,000

$55,789

Revenues Less Expenditures

$117,613(4)

$0

$117,61

(1) I'scr tecs which by law must be returned to the Commonwealth. On 1 1/22AI5, lc,nb
$247,100 above the FY % state appropriation of $1,000,000, provided that $247,100 of
ation.(2) Operational Services-Independent Contractors and contractors employees. (3)
operation of events. (See note (1 ))(4) State appropriation reversions totaled $22,820. l!

was approved authorizing expenditures of up to
ties can be generated above the $1,000,000 appropri-

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... ...;

Membership Information

% of Memberships by Residence

1% Allston/Brighton

5% Boston

2% Cambridge

35% Dorchester

10% Jamaica Plain

7% Mattapan

25% Roxbury

15% Other

35%

1%

% of Memberships by Gender

45% Men
55% Women

% of Memberships by Quarter

33% Spring

1 3% Summer

5% N/A

23% Fall

26% Winter

55%

10%

% of Memberships by Age

1 5% 1 8-23 Years

30% 24-29 Years

20% 30-35 Years

15% 36-41 Years

7% 42-47 Years

4% 48-53 Years

3% 54-59 Years

2% 60-65 Years

1% 60+ Years

4% NA

% of Members Who Utilized RLTAC
During its Initial Quarter

71% No
15% Yes
14% N/A

30%

4%

Roxbury Community College Track Facility Timeline

1 958. East Newton Street Armory, home to city track, meets is taken.

1958. Discussions begin for the new school track facility.

1 962. Representative Harold Rosen of Dedham files first bill calling for MDC to construct track facility.

1964. Bill No. 395 passes House of Representatives calling for a school track facility at Cleveland Circle.

1966. Boston Architectural firm says $1.3 million school track facility will be ready by 1968. It will be
dedicated as the John A. Ryder Memorial Track named in honor of the late Boston College
track coach.

1970. Bill instructing MDC to build a $3 million track facility passes both branches of legislature and is
sent to Covernor Francis Sargent.

1 972. MDC agrees to construct track at Neponset site.

1 974. House of Representatives, in capital outlay budget, approves $2.3 million for purchase of land
at Neponset. It also approves $3,987,000 for school track facility, park and recreational facilities,
bicycle paths, and boat and canoe launchings.

1974. Governor Sargent, calling his announcement a "victory night for the young people of Boston," says
construction of the track facility will begin in March 1975.

1975. On Dec. 30, MDC announces plans for massive athletic complex at Neponset. Governor Michael
Dukakis says, "I remember the debate on this way back in the early 1960's. It was needed then and
it is needed now, and I'm delighted that after all these years we're finally going to be able to go
ahead with it."

1976. Unless there is an additional $1.4 million, the school track project could be in danger of falling
through.

1977. Neponset residents drop objections to facility because they are promised new MDC hockey rink.

1 978. Representative John Finnegan of Dorchester plans to go to court to block construction of a $7.4
million track, accusing Governor Dukakis of "breaking faith" with the legislature and community
by directing the legislature to go ahead with the project.

1979. Representative Finnegan, Chairman of the Ways and Means Committee introduces an amendment
that strikes school track facility from Neponset site. The amendment is approved.

1980. Finnegan begins discussions with Northeastern University. With state aid, the University could
build a facility that would house the track.

1 983. Northeastern students vote by more than 9-1 margin to pay activities fee to help build the athletic
complex on campus. Objections by Redevelopment Authority and MB TA stall project.

1985. Interest in track revived, with State Representatives Joe DeNucci and Kevin Fitzgerald spear
heading the drive at the State House.

1986. Boston Mayor Raymond Flynn gets BRA to approve garage on Parcel 117X. The track will be

located next to the garage.

1 987. Governor Dukakis announces plans for track in conjunction with Northeastern University at Parcel 1 7X
on Columbus Avenue.

1 987. In November, Governor Dukakis files construction bill for track.

1 988. On January 5, 16 minutes before final session of Legislature, $35 million is appropriated for facility.

1988. On July 16, Legislature approves construction of the project by the turnkey method.

1 989. Project goes out for bid, but is stalled.

1 990. On April 4, project goes out for bid and draws six development teams.

1990. On Nov. 21, State Division of Capital Planning and Operations selects the Beacon Companies /Jung
Brenner as the development team.

1 99 1 . Agreement with Northeastern finalized.

1 99 1 . Governor William Weld indicates he will not authorize construction of track at Northeastern.

1 992. Governor Weld and Speaker of the House Charles Flaherty file bill for $1 7 million track at Roxbury
Community College. Bill passes House and Senate by July and Governor Weld signs it into law. Three
sites are chosen but all are inadequate.

1992. Mayor Flynn and BRA director Paul Barrett sell city Parcel, located at New Dudley and Tremont
Streets, to State. In December, BRA votes to hand over parcels to the state.

1 993. Groundbreaking for track.

1995. Track completed.

Reggie Lewis Track and Athletic Center Dedication Ceremony

Back row from left to right: Mr. Dave Fraizer, Representative Charles Flaherty, Representative Gloria Fox,
Mr. John Thomas, Representative Kevin Fitzgerald, Senator Diane Wilkerson, Mr. Michael Harris. Front row
from left to right: Mrs. Donna Harris-Lewis, President Grace Carolyn Brown

Reggie Lewis Track & Athletic Center

Roxbury Community College

1234 Columbus Avenue

Roxbury Crossing, MA 02120-3400

Telephone (617) 541-3535

Credits

Design Gordon Design