Rio Hondo College officially broke ground Tuesday 11/9/10 for a Physical Education complex that will bring new swimming pools, locker rooms, dance and aerobics studios and weight-training/wrestling facilities to the south end of campus.

Like many of the structures on campus, the existing P.E. buildings date back more than five decades, Rio Hondo President Ted Martinez Jr. told about 50 guests at Tuesday's groundbreaking ceremony, including Whittier City Councilman Owen Newcomer and El Monte Union High School District Superintendent Nick Salerno. "This facility has served the college and generations of students over the years - but it has aged over time," Martinez said. "Now is the time for upgrading and replacing."

It'll be another 18 months or so before those upgrades are completed, officials said - but when it's done, there will be a new 41,600-square-foot facility housing new locker rooms, faculty offices, trainers facilities and exercise/training studios.

The building's entrance will be shifted to face the south, and a new 160-space parking lot will also be built.

Officials said the two new swimming pools will support intercollegiate competition and the college's instructional swimming program, as well as complement the renovated gymnasium.

"It's very exciting to hear all the new features that this new building will have," said Rio Hondo College ASB President Julianna Ojeda, who spoke on behalf of students at Tuesday's ceremony.

And the improvements will only add to Rio Hondo's sports programs, which have recently seen a lot of success, said Steve Hebert, interim dean of P.E. and Athletics.

"A couple of highlights this year: The men's soccer team produced its ninth consecutive conference championship. The wrestling team joined a new conference and is ranked 18th in the state," Hebert said.

"The women's soccer team is closing in on a playoff berth; women's water polo is seeing the best season in about seven years; and men's and women's cross-country is trying to qualify for the state regionals," he said. "Women's volleyball is closing in on its first playoff berth in 10 years, and our baseball team last spring made the final four in California last year."

As such, Hebert said, the anticipation and excitement that's been building for a new P.E. complex is "tremendous."

"I'm extremely happy to be here," he said. "It's our time to shine."

The new complex will cost about $28 million, which will be paid for through state bond funds and the $245 million Measure A bond passed by local voters in 2004.

The gym and the fitness center will remain open during construction, and other temporary facilities will be provided to continue the P.E. curriculum and community access, officials said.

By Tracy Garcia Staff Writer