‘Eaters receive $1 million

Kathleen and Mark Santora have given a $1 million gift to UC Irvine athletics that will support efforts to renovate and expand the strength and conditioning center used by nearly 400 Anteaters’ student-athletes in 18 programs.

The transformation of the current Crawford Hall building that houses department offices, including coaches, into a strength and conditioning facility that will virtually triple the existing space dedicated to that aspect of training, will begin in September and is expected to be completed by the summer of 2013, UCI Athletic Director Mike Izzi said.

“We are so thankful for the Santoras’ exemplary commitment to UC Irvine Athletics,” Izzi said in a statement. “Their leadership and dedication to the success of our student-athletes is paramount to our pursuit of excellence. We hope that the generosity displayed by the Santoras will resonate with our donor base and that other members of ‘Eater Nation will answer the call as well.”

UCI recognizes that quality strength and conditioning programs are a vital component for consistent success in intercollegiate athletics. A revamped strength and conditioning center will be dedicated to having each student-athlete achieve maximum results in a safer, expanded and more effective training environment. The facility will be located immediately west of the proposed Al Irwin Student-Athlete Academic Center and existing Carlos A. Prietto, M.D. Sports Medicine Center within Crawford Hall.

— From staff reports