TU Dedicates Jack Zink Indoor Rowing Center
3/6/2006 12:00:00 AM | Rowing
March 6, 2006
Tulsa, Oklahoma - The University of Tulsa officially dedicated the Jack Zink Indoor Rowing Center earlier today.
The University broke ground just over a year ago on the state-of-the-art facility located in Mabee Gymnasium on the TU Campus. The 6,500 square Jack Zink Indoor Rowing Center houses the Susie Collins Indoor Rowing Tank manufactured by the Durham Company, an ergometer room, locker room and coaches' offices. The rowing tank allows athletes to train indoors, on water, in full lineup.
The facility is named in honor of Tulsa businessman and philanthropist, the late Jack Zink.
When addressing the attendees of the dedication ceremony, President Steadman Upham praised the namesake of the facility. "When it came to naming this dream-come-true facility, we could think of no better namesake than Jack Zink. As an engineer, entrepreneur, philanthropist and competitive racer in several sports, Jack set an indelible example that would serve any competitor well," said Upham.
"His dedication to the development of Tulsa's youth was widely known. His hospitality also embraced TU Rowing. Several generations of TU rowers spent hour upon hour practicing on the water at Zink Ranch. Many of the girls met Jack personally. The generous challenge gift from the John Steele Zink Foundation that fueled this drive was among Jack's final charitable actions. And so, when it came time to name the center, the members of TU's rowing team could see one clear choice. The young women lobbied very convincingly for the name under which we dedicate this facility -- The Jack Zink Indoor Rowing Center," added Upham
Donors recognized today included Barbara and Nick Allen; Patricia I. and C. Arnold Brown; The Buford Family, represented by Jo and Tray Siegfried; Susie and Fulton Collins, Mary Lou and Sam P. Daniel, Judith I. and William F. Fisher, Jr.; Janet Haggerty and Michael P. Smith, The JAYZEE Foundation, represented by Darton Zink; and Gloria G. and Edward McFarland
"This facility will be such a tremendous asset for our rowing team. We are so thankful to the Zink family and the many supporters of the intercollegiate rowing program," said Athletics Director Bubba Cunningham.
"The Jack Zink Indoor Rowing Center puts TU in an elite group, with facilities that rival the Ivy League and power schools of the Big Ten and PAC Ten," said Kevin Harris, head coach of the TU Rowing Team. "This facility not only makes a tremendous difference in our conditioning and race preparation, but has already proven to be a tool in our recruitment of talented rowers."
Tulsa broke ground on the facility on February 28, 2005.
