One Team Day supports and celebrates Norse athletics

It’s time to celebrate and support Luther College’s student-athletes through the college’s sixth annual One Team Day on Thursday, Nov. 20.

“This One Team Day marks an exciting milestone in the Gerdin Fieldhouse renovation,” said Amanda Bailey, head women’s basketball coach. “You’ve seen the progress and construction all year. Now, we’re inviting the entire Luther community to help us finish this project strong.”

The $24 million Gerdin Fieldhouse renovation project is in its final stages. Teams are hosting home games at the Birkestrand Family Court, a dynamic arena configuration that has been a game-changer for the Norse athletics.

“It’s phenomenal and the best space for our volleyball, basketball and wrestling teams to compete in,” Bailey said. “This renovation isn’t about replacing the history of our programs. It’s about strengthening it.”

Head men’s wrestling coach Dave Mitchell said the new four-mat space beside the Robert and Ann Naslund Sports and Recreation Center and adjacent to Carlson Stadium “elevates” Luther’s wrestling program.

“This facility is a huge step up for us,” Mitchell said. “It gives us what we need to have a champion-level experience. This space will be one of the top wrestling facilities in the country. We are so thrilled that our alumni supported us to build this in one of the primary locations of campus.”

The Gerdin Fieldhouse has a new main lobby entrance, a new concession stand, new restroom facilities for events, and a new home for the athletic Hall of Fame. The facility uplift also includes updated team locker rooms for the Norse, visiting team locker rooms and other athletic department support areas.

“This space validates Luther’s commitment to the student-athlete experience and reaffirms how great our alumni support is. This project doesn’t happen by accident. We’re really excited to be here moving forward,” said Joe Troche, head coach of football.

Launched in 2020, One Team Day is a 24-hour campaign to support student-athletes, celebrate Norse spirit and highlight the importance of athletics and student-athletes within the Luther community. Gifts made on One Team Day go directly to help Luther’s student-athletes as they work hard, inspire one another, and uphold the proud traditions established by decades of Luther teammates.

In conjunction with One Team Day, a local committee made up of Luther alumni and Decorah leaders has been working to promote local support for the Gerdin Fieldhouse for the past two months, explained Mary Duvall, vice president for development.

“In the past two months, thanks to the work of this group, the Decorah area has generously given $141,170 to this project, and because every gift is being matched, that’s $282,000,” Duvall said. “And when we hit $500,000, we’re going to name the tailgating plaza outside of the new wrestling facility for this very community. The Decorah Community Tailgate Plaza will be a space where students can soak up the sun, where families and alumni can gather for tailgates and people can look out over the football field and the valley.”

Supporters may give online at Luther.edu/one-team-day or by calling 563-387-1862. Contributions on Nov. 20 will be matched dollar-for-dollar by One Team Day sponsors. This year’s One Team Day is extra special because supporters may support both their favorite teams, as they have done in the past, while also supporting the Gerdin Fieldhouse renovations.

“You can support your favorite program and this beautiful Gerdin Fieldhouse,” said Luther College Athletics Director Megan Wilson.

The daylong event concludes with light refreshments and a cash bar at the One Team Day Happy Hour from 5:30–7 p.m. at Impact Coffee, 101 Water St. Luther alumni, parents, coaches, and fans of Norse athletics are invited to attend the free event sponsored by Impact Coffee. Stay after the happy hour for Impact Trivia, hosted by Luther student-athletes.

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