Heinzen Strength Center

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Heinzen Strength Center, open year-round to all students, provides a premium experience for teams and individuals alike.

About This Facility

The Heinzen Strength Center served the Wittenberg community with a state-of-the-art Hammer Strength weight machines and free weights from 1984 until the completion of the HWA Complex restoration and expansion initiative in 2019. At that time, the center was converted into the Kremchek Family Training Center.

The facility was equipped with weight-resistant flooring throughout to accommodate the 64-piece Hammer Strength Weight System and over 15,000 lbs. in free weights, all emblazoned with the classic Wittenberg 'W'.

The weight system, installed at a cost of $350,000, consists of a 13-piece Hammer Traditional system, eight-piece Hammer Ground system, four double Hammer Bench and Rack systems, a Power Lift system, a two-piece Life Fitness Strength system and 16 additional pieces. Six upright bikes flank a padded stretching and cool down area.

The Heinzen Strength Center complemented the Bob Rosencrans Fitness Center at the Athletics Hall of Honor to provide a complete health and physical education facility.

Steve Heinzen '64

Steve Heinzen, Wittenberg Class of 1964, helped lead the Tiger football team to the 1962 National Championship as a starting defensive back. Over his four-year playing career Wittenberg accumulated a record of 33-2 and two Ohio Athletic Conference titles. While a student-athlete, Heinzen had the additional responsibilities as a husband and father of three children and was named first team All-OAC.

Following his graduation, Heinzen became a graduate assistant with the Tigers and served as a scout, recruiter and utility assistant under Bill Edwards and Dave Maurer. Heinzen's most significant contribution to the football program came as a volunteer scout, traveling ahead of the team to the next week's opponent to plan initial strategies. As a result, he often only saw his beloved Tigers play in their final game of the season. He died in 1984 at the age of 41 due to complications after open heart surgery.

History

The Strength Center occupied what was formerly the McGilvray Natatorium, which opened in 1929 as an original portion of the Fieldhouse. The space was converted soon after the construction of the HPER Center Natatorium and subsequent shut down of the old pool in 1982. The university's existing weight and cardiovascular equipment was consolidated there, providing a fitness center for the first time.

In 1993, the area was rejuvenated with new weights and machines and a much needed facelift, enabling the space to more effectively serve campus as both the weight and fitness rooms. Rosencrans Fitness Center became the cardiovascular fitness headquarters upon its opening in 2005, leaving the Heinzen Strength Center devoted to weight training, although several upright bikes remain in the Strength Center.