By: Monica Baranko

Students, faculty, and Winchester locals all gathered on a cold Wednesday night to
celebrate the opening of the new James R. Wilkins, Jr. Athletics and Events Center at
Shenandoah University.

Cheerleader, Brittany Tran shows her Hornet pride as she flies on the gym’s opening night.

To open the event, President Tracy Fitzsimmons and James R. Wilkins Jr.’s son,
Richie Wilkins, spoke about the facility. There was even more chatter coming from
the crowd.

“This place is incredible,” said SU’s Women’s Golf Captain, Emily Conrad who was in
attendance.

“This building isn’t just going to benefit the basketball teams, volleyball team, or the
track teams, it’s going to benefit the university and Winchester as a whole.”

Shenandoah’s step-team performing at half-time of the men’s basketball game.

With more than 1,200 people in attendance, the 77,000-sq.- ft building was packed
with Hornet pride.

SU’s and Randolph-Macon’s mens basketball teams clap for Richie Wilkins after his speech.

The Shenandoah Men’s basketball team took a 90-56 loss to Randolph-Macon. After
being up by four in the first half, the SU Hornets dropped the ball with 25 turnovers
to the Randolph-Macon’s eight.

In the second game of the night, the Hornet Women’s basketball team crushed
Bridgewater 67-62. It was an all around special night for the Hornet women.

Senior captain Kirstyn Arcata was honored at half time for being the 19th woman in
SUWB history to achieve 1,000 points during her time at Shenandoah.

The new building will also host concerts and other university and community events
in addition to athletic events.

Shenandoah starters anxiously waiting for their name to be called.