Bartels Hall: A Hub of Athletics and Recreation at Cornell University
Cornell University, renowned for its academic excellence, also boasts a rich athletic tradition. From its early days, sports have been an integral part of the university's fabric. Over time, the university's athletic facilities have evolved to meet the growing needs of its diverse athletic programs and recreational activities. Bartels Hall stands as a testament to this evolution, serving as a central hub for athletics, recreation, and various campus events.
The Evolution of Cornell Athletics
Cornell's athletic program has deep roots, dating back to the university's founding in 1865. Early sports activities were organized through clubs like the Tom Hughes Boat Club and the Cornell Baseball Club. In the late 1870s, the Cornell University Athletic Association was formed to guide and coordinate these activities. The Association gained significant influence with the acquisition of Percy Field in the late 1880s, leading to its incorporation in 1889 and the establishment of a formal administration.
The late 19th century saw rapid growth in Cornell athletics, with the emergence of important football games, the Poughkeepsie regatta, and Cornell's participation in the IC4As. Intercollegiate competition expanded beyond the original sports of football, baseball, crew, and track to include cricket, lacrosse, and others.
The increasing scope of athletics in the early 20th century led to the establishment of the office of Graduate Manager, centralizing the management and supervision of all sports. Key figures like John L. Senior '01 played a crucial role in this transition, introducing sound business methods and innovations like the season ticket book.
Facilities like Lower Alumni Field, Schoellkopf Field, and Schoellkopf Hall were established during this period, further solidifying Cornell's commitment to athletics. After a period of disruption caused by World War I, athletics experienced a resurgence in the 1920s, with increased revenues, attendance, and the addition of freshman teams in minor sports.
Read also: Explore Haas Hall Academy
Under the leadership of graduate managers like Romeyn Berry '04 and James Lynah '05, the Athletic Association grew into a large business enterprise. Lynah's foresight led to the development of new athletic facilities like Teagle Hall and Lynah Skating Rink. The formation of the Ivy League in 1954 further emphasized the importance of athletics within a strong academic environment.
Robert J. Kane '34, who succeeded Lynah as director in 1945, oversaw the construction of numerous athletic facilities, including Teagle Gymnasium, Helen Newman Gymnasium, Lynah Ice Rink, and the University Golf Course. The athletic department continued to evolve under subsequent directors like Richard D. Schultz, Mike Slive, and Laing Kennedy '63, with ongoing upgrades to facilities and programs.
Alberding Field House Transformation into Bartels Hall
Originally known as Alberding Field House, Bartels Hall was completed in 1990. Laing Kennedy '63, as athletic director, played a significant role in upgrading the physical plant, including the construction of Alberding Field House. The building was later named Bartels Hall.
Features and Facilities
Bartels Hall is a multipurpose facility that houses a variety of athletic and recreational resources, including:
- Lindseth Climbing Wall: The Lindseth Climbing Wall, completed in 1990, was a critical addition to Cornell Outdoor Education. The Lindseth Climbing Wall was once the largest in North America and received a lot of press, including Time Magazine and The New York Times, and live coverage on CBS national television.
- Basketball courts
- Artificial turf practice areas
- A 5,000-seat indoor sports facility
- Phillips Outdoor Program Center
Phillips Outdoor Program Center
In 1993, the Phillips Outdoor Program Center (POPC) was established in the lower level of Bartels Hall. This center brought Cornell Outdoor Education (COE) and Wilderness Reflections (WR) under one roof, providing ample equipment storage, administrative space, a reception and registration area, a rental counter, course issue and deissue lockers, a classroom, and a resource library.
Read also: Explore the history of Alumni Hall in Boone
Bennett Family Concourse
The Bennett Family Concourse, located in Bartels Hall, showcases memorable moments in Cornell sports history. Endowed by Jim Bennett III '65, the concourse features color plaques highlighting great Cornell athletes and achievements over the last fifty years. It also includes banners depicting star players from various varsity sports and photo murals emphasizing qualities like dedication and determination.
Barton Hall: A Precursor to Bartels Hall
Before Bartels Hall was completed, Barton Hall served as a primary athletic and recreational facility on campus. Built in 1914 and 1915 as a drill hall for the Department of Military Science, Barton Hall was later named for Col. Frank A. Barton, Class of 1891.
Barton Hall has a rich history, hosting student registration, military drills, and graduation ceremonies. It was also home to Cornell Basketball from 1919 to 1990. In 1995, the H. Hunt Bradley Track Center was constructed under the south bleachers, enhancing Barton Hall's indoor track facilities.
Cornell Outdoor Education
Cornell Outdoor Education (COE) has a long history of providing outdoor skills and leadership training to students and the Cornell community. COE's origins can be traced back to 1972, when a wilderness-based pre-orientation program was created to help incoming students form connections before starting their first semester.
Over the years, COE has grown and evolved, offering a wide range of courses and programs, including wilderness reflections, outdoor education PE courses, and student leadership expeditions. The program has also benefited from the support of alumni and advisory boards, leading to the creation of facilities like the Lindseth Climbing Wall and the Phillips Outdoor Program Center.
Read also: Remembrance and Progress
tags: #Bartels #Hall #Cornell #University #history
