Students at Hamilton High School are stepping into a completely transformed physical education space thanks to improvements made possible by the community-supported 2023 school bond.
From the moment students walked into the new weight room for the first time, the reaction was immediate. “When I walked in, I was like, holy cow, this is crazy,” one student shared. Another added that the space felt so different it was “like being in another place.”
The updated weight room nearly doubled in size, expanding to approximately 2,400 square feet, giving students significantly more room to move, train, and learn. In addition, the adjacent wrestling room also saw an upgrade, growing to approximately 2,500 square feet, up from roughly 2,400 square feet in the previous space.
The new weight room features brand-new strength equipment, modern machines, branded plates, and a turf training area that allows for greater flexibility and movement. These upgrades replace a space that served the school for more than two decades but had reached its limits in both capacity and aging equipment.
“Our old weight room worked for 24 or 25 years,” said Athletic Director Eric Talsma. “But strength training has evolved, and it was time to do right by our kids. We had maximized what we could do in the previous space.”
The space is heavily used throughout the school day, with an average of 190 students per trimester enrolled in the Strength and Movement class alone, in addition to multiple athletic teams utilizing the room after school. The expanded footprint and intentional layout allow classes and teams to train more efficiently without overcrowding.
Each rack and station in the room is identically equipped, allowing students to rotate seamlessly through workouts and ensuring equal access to equipment. This uniform setup improves flow, minimizes downtime, and creates a more structured and effective training environment for students of all ability levels.
Physical education teacher and coach Dan VanHekken emphasized the thought and care that went into selecting the equipment itself. “Every time I come in here, it gives me goosebumps,” he said. “It’s kind of like Christmas every day.”
Great care was taken to find the right equipment at the right price, maximizing the value of the bond investment. Sorinex racks were selected for their durability and flexibility, with the ability to add accessories in the future and adapt the space as programs grow. Intek plates allowed the district to purchase custom-branded plates at roughly half the cost of comparable brands, while Rogue bars, dumbbells, kettlebells, and benches were chosen for their top-tier quality, versatility, and competitive pricing.
Students have noticed the impact immediately. With more space and updated equipment, workouts are smoother, classes feel less crowded, and the environment is welcoming for all students—not just athletes. “It means a lot that the younger generation can lift and actually enjoy it,” one Hamilton High School senior explained. “This will benefit everyone who comes after us.”
The redesigned space supports a wide range of physical education classes, strength training, and athletic programs throughout the school day. Talsma also credited the collaboration between coaches, staff, and contractors for stretching bond dollars and delivering a highly functional, long-term learning environment.
Students were quick to share their gratitude as well. “Thank you to the community,” one student said. “Because of this weight room, we can grow stronger and build better futures.”
