Sto-Rox School District is celebrating the completion of a revamped workout space for its students and student-athletes. The weight room inside Sto-Rox Jr./Sr. High School has been cleaned, painted, and – most importantly – outfitted with new equipment thanks to Dick’s Sporting Goods. The national sporting goods chain, headquartered in nearby Coraopolis, donated $22,000 that was used to purchase exercise machines from Webster’s Fitness Products Inc.
The process to reinvigorate the weight room started in summer 2024. Administrators worked with Dick’s Sporting Goods to secure the funds to update a weight room that had not been updated for approximately two decades.
Once the district accepted the donation in July, preparations began. Throughout the fall, Administrators worked to remove old equipment, disinfect the room, and re-paint the walls. In November, the exercise equipment was delivered and by the time winter break was over, improvements were nearly complete.
“This was a project that desperately needed to happen for these kids,” said Sto-Rox Athletic Director Shomari Phelps, “I’m thrilled for our students. They’ve finally got a weight room that fits right in with the tradition of Viking excellence.”
The revamped weight room not only features new exercise machines, it also includes new free weights, and platforms. It also includes signage – instead of spray paint – denoting WPIAL and conference championships won by the football team. However, gridiron stars won’t be the only students using this space. Phelps will coordinate usage among all Sto-Rox athletic programs and the Jr./Sr. High School’s physical education classes.
“The healthier students are, the better of they’ll be,” said Phelps. “This new weight room will help students improve their physical and their academic health.”
The district sincerely thanks Dick’s Sporting Goods for the generous donation that set this project in motion. We also thank all Sto-Rox administrators, school board members, and alumni who championed this project; it would not have been possible without your support. The district also wishes to thank: Webster’s Fitness Products Inc., ServiceMaster, and all those who provided equipment, expertise, or funding to complete this project.