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James W. Garrett Sports Complex
HOURS OF OPERATION
The Garrett Sports Complex is a popular hub for student activity and the facilities provide award-winning design, modern equipment, and enhanced opportunities for collegiate and lifelong fitness.
The complex includes the 51,000-square-foot Robert I. Estill Field House, Amos Alonzo Stagg Field at Doug Arthur Stadium, Douglas Arthur '49 Field, Clyde H. Jacobs Fitness Center, Orlando W. Houts Gymnasium, an aquatic center with a 25-yard swimming & diving pool, tennis courts, and racquetball suite. Offices and meeting spaces, locker rooms and eatery are also part of the complex.
It features distinctive elements, including the curved glass front of the fitness center and floor-to-ceiling glass wall on the north and east faces of the field house often featured in Susquehanna publications. The overall structure complements existing architecture on a campus often recognized for its beauty.
Named in honor of Susquehanna University's football coach from 1960-65, the James W. Garrett Sports Complex pays tribute to a man whose leadership, determination, and dedication helped shape the lives of the players he guided on and off the Crusader gridrion. (Dedicated June, 1, 2002)
Coach Garrett compiled a 39-11-1 record at Susquehanna, including undefeated seasons in 1961 and 1962; an unbeaten string of 22 games, longest in the country at the time; and a stunning 22-18 win over highly-ranked Division I Temple to close out the 1963 season.
Garrett later served as head football coach at Columbia University and as head coach of the Houston Texans franchise of the World Football League. He spent 38 years in the National Football League as an assistant coach with the New York Giants, Dallas Cowboys, New Orleans Saints, and Cleveland Browns; and as a scout with the Cowboys.
Naming of the James W. Garrett Sports Complex was made possible by Richard E. Caruso, Ph.D., Class of 1965, and a player under Coach Garrett, a member of the Susquehanna Athletic Hall of Fame, and founder of the Susquehanna Football Alumni Association. Mr. Caruso provided the leadership gift and together with Robert A. Pitello, Class of 1951 and Susquehanna University's offensive line coach for 35 years, championed the effort to honor the man whom they credit as being one of the most important influences in their lives. Additional major support was provided by Nicholas A. Lopardo, Class of 1968, and also a player for Coach Garrett, and a member of the Susquehanna Athletic Hall of Fame. Other gifts were made by former players and friends, all of whom cherish and respect Coach Garrett as a leader, a motivator, and a significant contributor to their lives - and to Susquehanna University.
