One of the hallmarks of retiring Grove City College President Paul J. McNulty ’80’s tenure has been his support for athletics and their value to the campus community.
He and First Lady Brenda (Millican) McNulty ’80 are regulars in the stands, cheering on student-athletes and fostering the “Wolverines Together” culture that has developed over the 11 years of his presidency.
Athletics were an early priority of McNulty’s administration and investments in personnel and programs have led to success in the Presidents’ Athletic Conference and beyond. So far this year, College teams have won 10 of 21 conference championships and been the runner-up in three others.
In recognition of that impact on the athletic program, the College’s Board of Trustees decided to name the next step in upgrading Grove City College’s athletic facilities in honor of the McNultys.
The McNulty Athletic Center – the MAC – will be built on Upper Campus as part of the ongoing Impact 150: The Anniversary Campaign for Grove City College. The McNultys provided the lead gift for the more than $5 million project, which is expected to be completed by 2027.
“Paul McNulty’s legacy includes a renewed focus on varsity athletics and the encouragement of student-athletes to embody excellence and faithfulness and a fierce competitiveness in pursuit of conference championships. It has resulted in a record number of student-athletes, PAC championships, a national ranking for Wolverine football, among other distinctions, and a stronger campus community,” Board Chair Edward D. Breen ’78 said.
“The football team’s extraordinary turnaround from a 0-33 record in 2017 to 20-3 and back-to-back trips to the NCAA Division III playoffs in the last two years is a testament to the grit and hard work of the players, the leadership of coaches, and the vision of Paul McNulty,” Breen said.
"Brenda and I are deeply touched by this recognition,” McNulty said. “We're passionate about athletics because we're passionate about the mission of Grove City College. Our student-athletes are stewards of their talents, conduct themselves with selflessness and self-discipline, and embrace a faith-first team culture. These values enrich our entire campus. The indoor track is an especially exciting feature because distance running is what brought me to GCC 50 years ago."
Plans for the MAC call for building a permanent indoor facility with an inflated dome roof between Don Lyle Field and Cherry Street. The 50,000-square-foot dome will include a five-lane indoor track, a highly durable and flexible rubberized surface for a variety of sports, weight training and strength and conditioning equipment, restrooms, and more. The MAC will be able to accommodate intramural programs and varsity sports throughout the year.
The multi-use air-supported structure can also provide a venue for – and revenue from – high school, club sports, and other events, including indoor graduation.
The new athletic center is one of three major Impact 150 projects focused on bringing athletic facilities to a level that matches the excellence and commitment of Wolverine student-athletes and serves the needs of all students. New facilities are necessary to sustain the momentum and growth of Grove City College’s varsity sports programs and to relieve pressure on existing facilities in the Physical Learning Center and Upper Campus that are used by the entire student body.