By Elliott Cook on February 18, 2026 at 9:00 PM
Athletic facilities are a crucial part of deciding what school you want to attend, especially if athletics are important to your college experience. For me, the best way to set a realistic standard for athletic facilities (specifically Division III) is by looking at my own school, Cornell College. Cornell College is a beautiful campus located in Mount Vernon, Iowa. The school is home to many of the students writing these articles on Level the Playing Field. Although Cornell is a Division III school, its athletic facilities are very modern and well-maintained due to recent renovations and upgrades. Since I arrived at Cornell in August of 2023, I have personally had a very positive experience with the athletic facilities. While I think they are impressive for a D3 school, they are not perfect, so I want to be honest about the positives and the drawbacks.
Image Credit – CornellRams
Image of the Rams’ boys basketball team practicing.
Anyone who knows Cornell knows that the centerpiece of the athletic facilities is the Richard and Norma Small Multi-Sport Center. The Richard and Norma Small Multi-Sport Center is better known as the SAW (Small Athletic and Wellness Center). The SAW is impressive in almost every way. One of its main features is the 2,000-seat gym, used for volleyball, basketball, and wrestling. A strong gym is often one of the biggest indicators of good athletic facilities. They can make a big difference in both practices and competitions. Games held in large, well designed gyms, often create better energy and more exciting environments for athletes and fans.
Beyond the main gym, the SAW also includes a 200-meter indoor track. This is especially useful during Iowa’s long winters when outdoor training is not always possible (unless you’re a track runner, then you’re probably stuck outside anyways). Inside the track is a multipurpose infield that can be set up with tennis courts, batting cages, or other training equipment depending on the season. The flexibility allows multiple teams to use the space effectively throughout the year.
One of the most impressive aspects of the SAW is the wrestling infrastructure. The Meredith Wrestling Complex, located in the basement, includes over 6,000 square feet of mat space. The space is notable because it’s comparable to many Division I wrestling programs, uncommon for Division III schools. As a result of this wrestling complex, the Cornell Rams wrestling team has improved greatly over the past few years. The wrestling team is starting to become a very respected and successful program.
Image Credit – CornellRams
Image shows the weights area, showing their vast array of barbells and cardio equipment.
The last major feature of the SAW that I want to highlight is the weight room. The weight room is large and well-equipped, with over 30 free-weight squat racks that are all in great condition. This setup allows athletes to train seriously and consistently. My biggest personal issue with the weight room is the lack of machine-based weight. The space relies heavily on free weight, which typically is not what I prefer in a weight room. However, weights are mostly a matter of preference. Many athletes at Cornell likely appreciate the focus on free weights and the type of training they allow, which highlights how facilities can mean different things to different people.
There are other things that the SAW provides, like various studying and meeting rooms, and the athlete’s recovery center. Helpful for students in recovery, or athletes who would like to get some studying done during downtime before an event. This is a very valuable thing that students should look for in a school and their facilities. A building that serves as a hub for athletes, and a diverse building full of everything that an athlete would need to succeed.
Image Credit – CornellRams
Picture of the athletic training center, showing an athlete actively getting worked on by a member of the training staff.
The last thing I would like to mention is the variety of mental health and academic recourses at Cornell. We have multiple article here that mention the importance of these resources to athletes, but not exclusive to Cornell. Though not facilities, these are great tools for athletes to use to ensure they are pushing themselves as hard as they can. These articles written by my peers are very informative for a student trying to weigh their school options.
I believe Cornell has very strong athletic facilities for a Division III school. However, what matters most is whether those facilities match what you as an individual athlete are looking for. Cornell is not the only Division III school with great facilities, just as not every Division I school has great ones. For anyone considering a school, especially athletes, it is important to research facilities or visit campus when possible. Athletic facilities can be a deciding factor in whether a school feels like the right fit. Taking the time to look into them can make that decision so much easier.