SF State dedicates new athletics performance center

San Francisco State University officially dedicated the George and Judy Marcus Athletics Performance Center today, cutting the ribbon on a new facility that will provide a state-of-the-art workout facility for the University's student-athletes.

The building is named for George and Judy Marcus, SF State alums and longtime supporters of the University, who donated $150,000 toward the renovation of the former field house adjacent to Cox Stadium and the purchase of new equipment.

"Thank you, Judy and George. Your support, with this facility and throughout the entire program, makes us hopeful for a great future for our athletic programs," President Les Wong said during the dedication ceremony. "The sense of spirit of our athletic program is so exciting, it's palpable."

President Wong and Judy Marcus cut the ribbon on the facility, then invited the student-athletes, staff and others into the building to have a look around.

"[This facility] is for you," Marcus told student-athletes in attendance. "You work hard, you deserve it, and we're very proud of you."

Tamiyah Thomas, a member of the track and field team, said the performance center will not only allow SF State's athletics teams to work out together, rather than at staggered times, it will also help with recruiting.

"On behalf of all of our student-athletes, we'd really like to thank you, Judy and George Marcus, for your support and your time," Thomas said.

The Marcus Athletics Performance Center is part of an ongoing rejuvenation of SF State's athletics programs, which has included hiring several championship-caliber coaches, a renovation of the University's main gymnasium and the dedication of the Don Nasser Family Plaza outside the gym.

"We're really excited, and we think the program is going in the right direction as evidenced by the teams' performances on the field and in the classroom," Athletic Director Charles Guthrie said. "They're doing a great job."

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