Battle Ground Public Schools

New workout equipment at Battle Ground High School an investment in the future

April 13, 2023

The last time Battle Ground High School saw a major upgrade to its workout equipment, Ronald Reagan was just finishing up his first term as president, Back to the Future was atop the box office and Careless Whisper by Wham! was the most popular song in the nation. 

That all changed over spring break 2023 as crews worked to install 10 new multipurpose workout stations, weight benches and other equipment. The gym area was also given a good cleaning and a new coat of paint, along with upgraded coatings on the mirrors and new technology.

“It’s like Christmas came early,” said Tigers head football coach Mike Woodward, who attended BGHS as a student. “It looks amazing. You can already feel the buzz around campus.”

Woodward, who just completed his first season with the Tigers, took the idea of new gym equipment to the district’s athletic review committee last year. Board Director Ted Champine, an assistant football coach and member of that committee, said the investment will improve the efficiency and safety for students throughout the school.

“This new equipment is so much more functional,” Champine said during the April 10 regular board meeting. “We can have a lot more athletes working out at the same time.” The equipment also will serve students in P.E. classes and help them remain active.

Battle Ground High School Athletic Director Matt Stanfill credited Woodward for sparking the conversation, as well as district leadership and committee members for seeing the need and working to get something done.

“There’s people that are in place that have a vision and they’re committing the resources to make that vision happen,” Stanfill said. “We’re in maybe the toughest league in the state of Washington. The state championships run through Clark County. This will help bring our kids to an area where they can be safe, strong and fast. I’m excited for that.”

In addition to the new weightlifting equipment, the school will also be installing new cardio workout options nearby. Prairie High School is also receiving a significant investment in the form of new wrestling mats and cheer equipment.

“We’re just trying to show our appreciation for our student-athletes,” Superintendent Denny Waters said during the April 10 board meeting, “and make sure they have what they need to remain competitive and do the great job that they do.”

The upgrades are funded in part by local taxpayer dollars through the educational programs and operations levy that voters approved in November 2021.