OWNER

University of Wisconsin-Platteville Athletics

CONFERENCE

Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC)

NCAA Division III

VENUE(S)

Coach George Chryst Locker Room

Platteville, Wisconsin

DESIGNER(S)

Shield Lockers

MANUFACTURER

Shield Lockers

COMPLETION DATE

2019

FEATURES/SCOPE

109 football training lockers

PLAYER LOCKER SIZE

24" W x 15" - 24" D x 90" H

The first and only NCAA Division III football program with Shield Lockers

In late 2018, while searching for an innovative locker solution, the University of Wisconsin-Platteville discovered Shield Lockers. The football program was ready to renovate the Coach George Chryst Locker Room at Ralph E. Davis Pioneer Stadium. All they needed was an atypical, design forward locker manufacturer that could deliver a new standard for Division III football lockers.

Challenge accepted.

The Ralph E. Davis Pioneer Stadium is the home to Pioneer football and soccer teams. Their football team has held a consistent presence in the national rankings over the past seven seasons, including a pair of NCAA Division III playoff appearances. Rich in heritage, the stadium’s namesake helped fund its original construction and is considered the “godfather of the natural gas industry.” The Butch Leitl Field even served as the summer home of the Chicago Bears' training camp for 18 years. And George Chryst was an innovator on the football field known for a Wing-T offense and his commitment to investing in the student-athlete experience. Chryst's youngest son, Paul, is also the current head coach of the Wisconsin Badger football team.

Division III schools especially are constantly evaluating creative ways to attract and maintain top talent. The university's athletic leadership wanted to continue their commitment to supporting student athletes by enhancing their facilities. Following recent upgrades to the stadium, Butch Leitl Field, various indoor practice facilities, and weight rooms, the university’s football program knew it was time to address the aging locker room. Their goal was simple – to set a new standard for Division III football locker rooms that would act as a magnet for new recruits.

Shield worked collaboratively with the university’s athletics department to create the first and only acrylic solid surface locker in Division III athletics. The design aesthetic is clean and modern in appearance with the durability only Shield can offer to protect this investment. Integrated USB charging and active ventilation provides functionality that keeps phones charged and equipment dry. Creative, custom routing brings unique Pioneer branding into functional, permanent display in both the overhead and lockable bench storage. Finally, Shield’s proprietary acrylic solid surface construction is low maintenance, microbial-resistant, extremely durable, and repairable. All protected by Shield’s industry-unmatched lifetime warranty.

In total, 109 lockers found their new home throughout the Coach George Chryst Locker Room. Not only did the Pioneers set a new standard for Division III football lockers, they can rely on them to perform day in and day out for decades as they successfully grow their program.