MONTAGUE — The countdown is on at Montague High School as excitement builds around the nearly completed performance gymnasium. Designed to support the needs of Wildcat student-athletes, the new facility is set to bring a major upgrade to athletic life on campus.
“I have kids almost every day that say, ‘Hey, Coach, when can we get in there for games?’” said Athletic Director Jay Mulder.
Funded by a 24-year, $12.7 million bond approved by voters in 2022, the new gym represents a significant investment in Montague’s student-athletes. Alongside a new agricultural barn, the gym is the centerpiece of the bond project, which aims to improve athletic, technical, and extracurricular opportunities for students — without increasing the district’s current tax rate.
Built for Student-Athletes
This isn’t just a gym — it’s a purpose-driven space built for training, practice, competition, and athletic development. Standout features include:
- Multi-use gym floor with dedicated space for district athletic events
- A 3-lane indoor walking track at the entry level
- A weight room at floor level to support strength and conditioning programs
- A virtual golf room for specialized training
- Additional storage and a concession stand for game-day use
- Digital scoreboards and updated sound and lighting systems for a professional game atmosphere
One of the most thoughtful design choices is the seating layout. With entry from above and fans descending into the stands, the setup mirrors many college-level performance gyms — but with a deliberate effort to keep the cozy, high-energy vibe Montague is known for. With around 1,500 seats, every fan will feel close to the action.
“There will not be a bad seat in it,” Mulder said. “We wanted a gym that felt unique and inviting — not oversized or impersonal. This gym will be one-of-a-kind for a school our size.”
Supporting Athletic Excellence
The added gym space solves a major challenge Montague athletes have faced for years: limited practice availability. Teams often practiced as late as 9 p.m., only to return to school the next morning by 7:30 a.m.
“We’ve had a shortage of gym space, and that’s made things difficult,” Mulder said. “Now, we’ll be able to keep our basketball and wrestling teams practicing right here at the high school.”
The gym will keep winter sports programs under one roof, eliminating the need to use offsite locations like the middle school cafeteria. The upgraded weight room also gives student-athletes better tools to improve their performance, recovery, and long-term fitness.
“This gym is for our students, first and foremost,” Mulder emphasized. “It’s about giving them the resources to succeed — athletically, physically, and mentally.”
The Wildcat Community Weighs In
Momentum and anticipation are growing among students and families. Social media has been buzzing with praise and excitement as updates have rolled out:
- “Beautiful. Would have loved to have played in something like that.” – Dan Stevens
- “Awesome!!” – Paula Johnson
- “Wow! Are seniors going to be able to walk here? That would be awesome!” – Kristin Day-Hinken
- “Congratulations on being part of this amazing project! The new scoreboards look fantastic!” – Alyssa Miller
- “Great job! Looks amazing!” – Tim Bond-Flowers
- “I didn’t know they were getting a new one!” – Cheryl Reames Blohm
- “Should be ready any day!” – Karissa Blohm
Eyes on the Finish Line
While a firm opening date hasn’t been set, school officials are hopeful the gym could be ready this spring for students.
“You see the progress made in just over a year, and it’s phenomenal,” Mulder said. “We’re very excited to get in there, and I know our kids are feeling the excitement as well.”
As Montague continues to build its tradition of athletic excellence, this new gym represents a commitment to its student-athletes — a space designed to develop talent, build character, and host unforgettable Wildcat moments for years to come.
