James W. Garrett Sports Complex

HOURS OF OPERATION

The James W. Garrett Athletic Complex serves as the centerpiece of River Hawk Athletics and stands as one of the premier NCAA Division III athletics complexes in Pennsylvania. Designed to support championship-level competition, year-round training and the complete student-athlete experience, the complex is home to many of Susquehanna’s varsity programs and daily athletic activity.

Inside the Garrett Sports Complex, student-athletes have access to an impressive collection of facilities — including the Robert I. Estill Field House, Orlando W. Houts Gymnasium, Doug Arthur Stadium, the Clyde H. Jacobs Fitness Center, tennis courts, an aquatic center and dedicated sports performance, athletic training and team spaces. Together, these facilities create a dynamic environment where River Hawks prepare, compete and recover at a high level every day.

The complex also features recently renovated locker rooms with modern amenities designed to enhance team culture, preparation and the overall game-day experience. These upgraded facilities reflect Susquehanna’s continued investment in creating an environment where student-athletes feel supported both in and out of competition.

The complex's 51,000-square-foot Estill Field House provides year-round practice and competition opportunities with indoor courts, a six-lane 200-meter track and versatile training space that supports multiple programs throughout the academic year. Expansive glass walls overlooking the stadium and modern architectural design give the facility a distinctive look that has become one of the signature visuals of Susquehanna Athletics.

The Garrett Namesake

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 and dedication helped shape the lives of the players he guided on and off the gridrion. Coach Garrett compiled a 39-11-1 record at Susquehanna, including undefeated seasons in 1961 and 1962; a winning streak of 22 games, which was 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. In addition to serving as football coach, Garrett's tenure included service as Susquehanna's athletic director and as coach of the university's baseball and track & field programs.

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. Garrett was inducted into the Susquehanna University Athletics Hall of Fame in 1981.

Naming of the James W. Garrett Sports Complex was made possible by Richard E. Caruso '65, and a player under Coach Garrett, a member of the Susquehanna Athletic Hall of Fame and founder of the Susquehanna Football Alumni Association. Caruso provided the leadership gift and together with Bob Pitello '51, Susquehanna'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. 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.