Deep in the heart of North Dakota, a recent transformation unfolded for an iconic destination in the world of hockey. One of the most prestigious hockey arenas in the nation, The Ralph Engelstad Arena, underwent a complete overhaul. Known for its legacy and the valor of the athletes who made it their home, the arena underwent a multi-phase transition designed to not only retain the history of the program and the memory of those who inhabited its hallowed halls, but one that would cement its reputation as a world-class sports facility.
Admittedly, many high school strength coaches do not have the resources to spec and construct an elevation-simulation room like the one currently serving UND athletes. Neon lighting and recovery-focused bunk beds may qualify as “nice-to-haves” in the face of more pressing needs. However, the renovation did present a perfect opportunity to address one of the most important and fundamental aspects of any weight room, regardless of the level of competition.
Mark Poolman, Human Performance Director and Athletic Trainer at UND, embraced his leadership role in determining how the new weight room would come together. His is a lesson for athletic directors of all stripes, who each must make tough decisions during facility renovation. Flooring, he says – often overlooked when it ought to be underscored – would be a primary focus. Poolman needed to select a floor that would not just reinforce the flash and awe of UND hockey, but would elevate the program’s standard of quality and encourage maximum athletic performance.
THE SELECTION PROCESS
Former strength coach of over 40 years, Ethan Reeve, is now the Director of Strength and Athletic Performance for Mondo. He was there to explain the science behind the flooring and guide Poolman through the installation process. Reeve’s expertise was crucial for bridging the gap between athletic demands and sport flooring.
From the start, Poolman knew the variables most important to the well-being of his student-athletes and the program. He chose to address functionality and safety first, with aesthetics and durability coming in a close second.
“You want traction when it gets wet.” Poolman says. “You don’t want it to slip. That was by far my number one.”
Safety was the primary concern that guided Poolman. A variety of flooring suppliers were evaluated to find one that could provide optimal traction, especially when wet, to prevent slips and injuries. After testing various samples from different manufacturers, only one option met the standards Poolman set. Mondo Valor flooring stood out immediately for its exceptional traction and the quality of padding, an essential feature for absorbing the impact of weights and offering the support necessary to reduce stress on athletes’ and coaches’ bodies.
Out of all the samples Poolman tried, Mondo Valor performed best under wet conditions, ensuring athletes could train comfortably and safely. From the moment he laid eyes on the Valor flooring sample, Poolman knew it would help athletes push their limits without the fear of injury by slipping.
“Even the small sample of what we got from the different companies, for me, it was fairly obvious which one would have the best traction when wet,” Poolman says. “Our main area here before we remodeled, when it got wet, wearing tennis shoes, it would get slippery. This floor does not.”
A LEGACY OF VALOR, EXCELLENCE
While the university is renowned for its hockey program, the weight room’s renovation was envisioned with a broader perspective. The aim was to create a space that allows Poolman to safely introduce new and varied training methodologies for athletes. Valor’s design ensures that athletes can engage in diverse workout routines without hesitation, fostering confidence in their physical activities.
“It’s been a lot of fun to be involved with this facility and the program for the past 30 years,” Poolman says. “The facility is a destination for a lot of hockey fans and it continues to be.”
The renovation of “The Ralph” underscores UND’s commitment to providing its athletics programs with the best possible resources. The weight room, a cornerstone of the university’s athletic program, continues to attract and inspire not only hockey players but all student-athletes committed to reaching their peak performance levels. It’s a story of thoughtful improvement and unwavering dedication to safety and performance. Poolman’s choice to specify cutting-edge Mondo Valor flooring exemplifies that dedication.
While it may go overlooked from time to time or take a back seat to the bells and whistles that typically capture human imagination, flooring will continue to retain its fundamentally strong position among the hierarchy of choices athletic directors must approve. If athlete safety and maximum performance benefits hold sway for you, then consider Mondo Valor. From the ground up, Mondo Valor will protect both athletes and the legacy of the Ralph Engelstad Arena, ensuring it remains a symbol of continuing excellence and source of community pride.
“Ralph Engelstad wanted to do this for a reason, and wanted it to be the best,” says Poolman. “With these new renovations, it continues to be the best.”
Details
Mondo is an industry leader in sport flooring with millions of square feet of its high-performance athletic surfaces installed worldwide. Mondo offers extra strong and durable sports surfaces with customizable design for weightlifting areas.
