Story of the Gym Floor
The gym is a big part of campus history representing memories of the past, present, and future. Fans, including current students, alumni, parents, and grandparents have been enjoying the Knights gym going back to 1964. The gym was built as a result of a challenge made at the annual lectureships for area Christians to fund the building by purchasing bricks for $1. The gym was funded and built within the year ("Golden Knights pg 18").
Basketball, is the longest-running program at Columbia beginning as an intramural activity in 1957 (high school and college were combined and coached under Lehman Hall). Although the program only started with boys, a girls program would begin later (officially beginning in 1994) and both programs would reach state competition mulitiple years. Basketball is also a favorite activity for the middle school and elementary. Competitive play begins in 5th grade.
Volleyball began at Columbia in 1974. There have been many volleyball tournaments played on campus over the years bringing many teams from all over the state to enjoy one of the most popular tournaments around. Volleyball also extends down to the lower grades, including 5th - 8th grade.
The gym is used for PE at all grade levels, pep assemblies, Homecoming, jog-a-thon, and various other activities that take place there now and have throughout history. Especially featuring kids of all ages who benefit from the space.