<p>The long-awaited groundbreaking for the Air Forces indoor training facility has been scheduled for Oct. 1 at 3:30 p.m., athletic director Hans Mueh said.</p>
<p>Air Force has received clearance from Congress to break ground on the facility, the largest privately-funded capital project in academy history at almost $16 million. The facility will be built in about eight months, Mueh said. The building will be finished too late to use for the Falcons spring football practices, but will be done well ahead of football training camp next year.</p>
<p>The facility will be built just north of the field house near the athletic fields. The facility will be used by teams other than the football team, and it will also allow teams like Air Forces track and field squads to use the field house with fewer interruptions.</p>
<p>Its huge, Mueh said. Beyond just the indoor training facility, the fact we have that kind of commitment by our graduates to give back to the institution is humbling for all of us. I think it will signal more giving back to the institution in the future.</p>
<p>Donor for AFA Holaday Athletic Center dies hours before groundbreaking
Lynn Holaday passes away from ALS
October 01, 2010 4:49 PM
FRANK SCHWAB
THE GAZETTE</p>
<p>Lynn Holaday passed away this morning after an 18-month bout with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, hours before groundbreaking for an indoor practice facility at Air Force that bears her name.</p>
<p>Holaday and her husband Bart gave $5 million to the construction of the $16 million Holaday Athletic Center, which will be located to the north of the Cadet Field House. Air Force superintendent Lt. Gen. Mike Gould said Bart Holaday insisted the groundbreaking go on despite his wife’s passing. Gould choked up when he addressed Lynn Holaday to the crowd.</p>
<p>“Lynn’s got a bird’s-eye view for what we’re doing today,” said Gould, who added later it was a bittersweet day. </p>
<p>Bart Holaday did not attend, but his prepared remarks were read by Dr. Erv Rokke, the president of the AFA Endowment.</p>
<p>“She did not simply visit this world, she made a difference,” Rokke said, reading Bart Holaday’s speech.</p>
<p>Lynn Holaday was remembered at the ceremony for her generosity and spirit.</p>
<p>“It allowed us to focus on the true sacrifice and true gift she gave,” Air Force athletic director Dr. Hans Mueh said. “She was much more the driver in this than he was.”</p>
<p>“Nothing short of remarkable,” Air Force coach Troy Calhoun said. “The heart and the generosity, and probably breaking a significant barrier where it is OK to give back to the academy.”</p>