The transformation begins

Instillation of Mount’s new wood floor starts this week

WOONSOCKET – It’s all systems go for the installation of a brand-new, state-of-theart hardwood surface inside the Mount St. Charles building nicknamed “The Warehouse.”

This radical transformation of moving away from a rubberized gymnasium floor where moisture problems and dead spots became all too common begins on Monday. Per MSC associate athletic director and varsity girls’ basketball head coach Ray Leveille, the entire project should be completed within six weeks.

Mount St. Charles’ Board of Directors officially signed off on this project this past Tuesday night. On Thursday, the first shipment of wood along with additional parts and materials arrived. It’s exciting time for the Mountie community, particularly for interscholastic programs such as basketball and volleyball.

“It’s going to be a big step for the school as far as the athletic program,” Leveille said. “It’s going to turn the gym into a top-of-the-line facility and give us an opportunity to hopefully bring in more kids to the school.

“I think it’s definitely going to turn some heads,” Leveille added. “The place is going to look top-notch.”

Exeter-based Kenvo Floor Company, which installed the gym’s original floor in 1999, was the company selected by Mount. The entire project is being done through fundraising efforts. Originally, the needed goal was $224,407. As of Thursday, the target had been just about met.

“It’s going to turn the gym into a top-of-the-line facility and give us an opportunity to hopefully bring in more kids to the school.” – Mount’s Ray Leveille

There will be some additional expenses. Wheels will be installed so that the bleachers won’t scuff up the new floor. The school plans to purchase a cover for the floor to protect the hardwood when special events are held in the gymnasium.

Leveille along with MSC boys’ basketball head coach Henry Coleman are scheduled to hold their annual summer hoops camp from July 31 thru August 4. In addition, Mountie girls’ and boys’ volleyball head coach Josh D’Abate will stage his all-star volleyball academy during the same week as the basketball camp. If everything goes according to plan, both camps could be privy to participants sinking jump shots and spiking volleyballs on a state-of-the-art surface.

“If we don’t hit any snags, hopefully we can christen the gym with the camps,” Leveille said.

Photo by Ernest A. Brown Mount St. Charles boys basketball coach Henry Coleman stands among pallets of wood Saturday as the school begins the process of laying down a hardwood floor in the gymnasium.