Byron S. Coon Center
Northwestern student-athletes have the opportunity to train and improve their strength in one of the finest weight rooms in the nation. With its recent renovation and expansion, the Byron S. Coon Center is now a 12,000-square foot, glass-encased facility housing brand new equipment. The Coon Center is connected to the Nicolet Football Center, just off Ryan Field, and is the hub for all of Northwestern's student-athletes. Step inside the glass walls during any afternoon; the center is a hive of activity. Former Northwestern football star Larry Lilja is the long-time director of the Strength and Conditioning Center. Lilja, who played for the Wildcats from 1973-75, graduated from the Evanston campus in 1976. He played briefly with the Atlanta Falcons and the New York Giants of the National Football League (NFL). Nick Zostautas, Jason Pullara and Katie Austin are the assistant directors of the Coon Center and help Lilja oversee the strength and conditioning for all of NU's 19 varsity sports.
In the summer of 2008, Northwestern received the following brand new, state-of-the-art equipment:
"The equipment we've purchased and put in this weight room is geared toward the serious athlete, who's intent is to train and compete at the highest level of competition. It's very heavy duty; it's very skill and sport specific equipment. It's not a health club atmosphere here - when you step through those doors, you better be prepared to work." -Larry Lilja Director of Strength and Conditioning |
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