The first basketball games were held in the recently completed Bensalem Physical Education Center last Thursday night. To view photos of the facility as well as the girls/boys basketball doubleheader, please visit the Photo Gallery.
BENSALEM – Amazing. Phenomenal. Overwhelming.
Those were just a few of the responses when players and fans got their first glimpse of the recently completed Bensalem Physical Education Center at Thursday night’s girls/boys basketball doubleheader.
“Everybody’s excited” Bensalem boys’ basketball coach John Mullin said. “There’s a little extra pride – they’re beaming with it right now.”
And why wouldn’t they be.
It’s a story of rags to riches for the Owls, who – since the 1968-69 season – played their home games in Armstrong Middle School.
“It’s extremely exciting for our kids because they haven’t experienced this,” athletic director Val Ridge said. “ The pride that is running through these kids’ bones and veins right now – it’s oozing out of them. It’s been phenomenal to see how excited they are because they literally have just seen this gym – some of them (on Thursday night) and some of them on Monday.”
The girls, according to Ridge, screamed when they saw their new home court for the first time while the boys exchanged high fives and chest bumps.
“For me to show someone this gym and to see their first expression when they walk through Alumni Way and see the gym has just been absolutely incredible,” Ridge said.
Talk to any of the players, and their pride is unmistakable.
“It’s amazing,” said junior Ashida Cooper, who scored the first basket in the new gym in Thursday night’s game against Norristown. “To have this the first night and have the boys and girls playing together – it feels good. They care.”
“Wow, it’s a beautiful gym,” said senior Davonte Newkirk, who christened the gym with its first dunk in Thursday’s game against Holy Ghost. “I couldn’t wait to play in it.
When the fans are in it, it’s almost the same thing as Armstrong – it feels like the fans are on the floor cheering for us. It’s great playing there.
“It’s really exciting. It’s incredible. We couldn’t believe it was done because we thought it was going to be held up until next year. Just being able to play here is a blessing.”
“We have a lot of pride to know our school cared enough about us to give us a new gym,” senior Ashleigh Spence said. “I heard talk about this my ninth grade year, and they started building it my 10th grade year, but I was skeptical whether I was going to play here or not. To be able to open my senior year playing in this new gym – it means so much to me.”
Even the most devoted Armstrong fans admit it was time to make a move.
“We loved Armstrong,” said Sue Harder, a 1974 Bensalem grad. “I went to all the games there, and it was a great time. I think we didn’t realize what we didn’t have, but once they closed the (middle school) and still going back – it was beyond time.
“Walking into the lobby tonight – it exceeded by expectations. It’s beautiful. I said to my husband – I’ll expect them to play above their level. Just that feeling of pride and all the people that are coming out to watch them – they’re going to really be able to have a good season.”
The new facility is 68,000 square feet with the centerpiece a basketball court – or rather basketball courts – to top all basketball courts.
“It’s an amazing experience because it’s basically almost an NBA floor,” senior Julian Hyden said. “To play in it is just spectacular.
“It’s much brighter, it holds a lot of people, and that’s the main factor because home games – it matters about the home experience and the crowd.”
While the featured court with its seating capacity of 1700 is impressive, even more impressive is the auxiliary gym with two additional regulation courts and 12 baskets. All the baskets can be lowered to eight feet, allowing community youngsters to benefit from the facility as well.
All told, the hardwood basketball court is 28,000 square feet, which – according to Mullin – is the largest high school gym floor on the East Coast. The courts are surrounded by a track (1/8 mile) on the upper level.
“It was done in a nice intimate way,” Mullin said. “It’s not like you’re playing in a canyon. We still keep our home court advantage.
“(This facility) was a collaboration of the school district and the township. It’s really a first rate place. We had a nice opening day (on Saturday). It’s a crowning jewel for the district, and we’re very proud.”
Alexia Ewing, a 2011 grad, was wide-eyed when she saw the facility for the first time on Thursday night.
“It’s beautiful,” she said. “I didn’t expect it to be like this actually. It’s a full house, everyone is here, and it’s just a remarkable environment.
“I go to UNC, and there’s a lot of school pride there. It was different here, but now I actually feel like everyone loves Bensalem, and you can feel it. It’s really great.”
Ewing – a three-sport standout at Bensalem - admitted to being more than a little envious.
“New uniforms and a new gym the year after I graduated – I’m really jealous,” she said. “But it looks great.”
The spacious lobby includes a snack bar and two closed circuit TVs – with a third to be added. Games are televised by the Owls Television Network and are played live on the large screen televisions.
“This is a phenomenal night for Bensalem and the community,” said Dr. David Baugh, Superintendent of Bensalem Township School District. “It’s a great facility. Our kids are flabbergasted by it. Every kid I talk to says, ‘You know, Dr. Baugh – this is an amazing facility.’
“I’m resting on the shoulders of giants, my predecessors. I’m very proud to be here and part of this night. The kids love it. They’re so proud. Our attendance is through the roof, and it’s just a great thing for the high school.”
The official dedication and ribbon cutting ceremony were held on Saturday at noon with local and state dignitaries in attendance. The ceremony was followed by the annual alumni games.
“This has been 30 years coming,” girls’ basketball coach Don Bogan said. “It’s a beautiful gym, and I’m so happy we have it. The kids deserve it – they work hard.
“It’s a great environment to play in, very positive.”
The entrance to the gym off the main lobby – named Alumni Way - includes a trophy case filled with memorabilia. There are four locker rooms, four teams rooms as well as storage, and the smell of new paint – which is unmistakable – is a reminder that this is a new era for the Owls, who have a brand new Owls’ Nest.
“You can still smell the paint,” Ridge said. “I can’t wait to smell a little more sweat.
“We loved Armstrong, but this is home.”
And what a home it is for the Bensalem Owls.
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