For the first time in a decade, Tine W. Davis Gymnasium has a new look. Faulkner University, Monday, unveiled the re-imagined court that houses its volleyball and men's and women's basketball programs. The update is the first of its kind since 2010 when the facility welcomed women's basketball into the Faulkner athletics family. It comes on the heels of the athletic department rolling out a new brand identity last year.
"Our gym is a big part of our athletic department and campus community. To be able to put our new branding on the floor does a lot for not only the basketball and volleyball programs, but also for our student body as they attend games and chapel," Faulkner University Athletic Director Hal Wynn said. "We are grateful for the budget committee's willingness to work with us to get this project done ahead of schedule."
"We are so excited about our newly branded basketball and volleyball court in the gymnasium, as this is our largest daily community space on campus! It's new fresh and vibrant look truly represents the vibrancy of our sports teams and campus community here at Faulkner," Dr. Jean-Noel Thompson, vice president of student affairs, said. "Go Eagles!"
The center design of the court features Faulkner athletics' primary logo while the baseline branding consists of custom lettering unique to the Eagles' brand identity. The court also boasts other markings from the athletic department brand guide including wing tips in each corner and the F-Wing logo on each sideline. The court design comes courtesy of Greg Hahn who created the brand identity for both the athletic department and the university at-large.
"We are thrilled about the rebranding and new gym floor. Thank you to our administration for making that happen," Faulkner Women's Basketball Coach Reed Sutton said. "Anytime there are facilities upgrades it is a shot of adrenaline for the programs that use it. It shows our current players and recruits that Faulkner University is committed to providing a first class facility for them to practice and play in during their career."
The court also features a contrasting appearance between the majority of the playing surface where the traditional lighter wood look dominates and the area inside the three-point arc where a driftwood stain adds a unique element. Surrounding the playing surface is a black perimeter that serves to offset the court.
"The floor is awesome looking with the black out-of-bounds. The white Faulkner lettering pops off the baseline. The entire floor is a much lighter color. The players will love it," Faulkner Men's Basketball Coach Scott Sanderson said.
The basketball lines present in royal blue while the main volleyball court features in a solid Columbia blue. The volleyball side courts utilize parallel quarter-inch Columbia lines.
"The new floor will bring a sense of pride and uniformity under the new logo and brand. While it may be a superficial change, it's one that unites and redirects the focus on who we are really playing for," Faulkner Volleyball Coach Tori Bartels said. "Personally, it allows a fresh new start on a floor that holds a tremendous amount of history in the foundation of all our programs while instilling pride and 'Never Fail' spirit. "
While Hahn produced the floor concept, Jim Mullins of Jymz Floorz made the artistry a reality. Mullins has done gymnasium floors for 17 years, launching his own business in 2013. Over the past five years, he has done more than two dozen high school and collegiate courts.
"There are certain combinations that stand out more than others do and black and blue has always been one of my favorites," Mullins said of the new Faulkner design. "To me, the mark in the middle is the huge difference. That's fantastic compared to the old eagle head that they were using for so long."
