700 Q Street
Lincoln, NE 68508
402.476.7331
The University of Nebraska at Kearney undertook the transformation of a deteriorating 1959 aquatic center into a modern wrestling facility designed to support its National Championship–winning program. The adaptive reuse project reimagined the former pool and underground viewing tunnels, creating a high-performance athletic environment while extending the life of an existing campus structure.
The renovation included infilling the pool, complete replacement of mechanical systems, and significant lighting and acoustic upgrades. Existing locker rooms were reconfigured into a dedicated wrestling suite with team locker areas, showers and cold tubs, coaches’ offices, and a sports medicine room to support athlete training, recovery, and daily operations.
The competition space is defined by custom-branded wrestling and wall mats and enhanced by abundant natural light from newly introduced windows. Free weights, exercise equipment, and bleacher seating support both training and spectators. The facility is named in recognition of Herbert L. Cushing, former Nebraska State Teacher’s College president, whose leadership from 1936 to 1961 helped bring the original building to fruition.
