Witnesses ranged from residents to high school alumni to donors who helped make a multi-million dollar Roundhouse Phase II renovation possible.

And, just as thousands of fans witnessed the Bobcats beat Ames in the first game 54 years ago, those present Saturday where there to witness a new chapter in the venue’s distinguished history.

A theme of “Honoring the past, building a future,” was reinforced by speaker after speaker and resonated with the hundreds of attendees.

“While renovating this modern facility for athletes, students and spectators, we wanted to show the utmost respect for the original Roundhouse as well as the beautiful (Marshalltown) Community Auditorium,” Marshalltown Schools Superintendent Theron Schutte said. “And last but not least, we wanted the project to stay within budget and be on time. We are 50-50 on that now. we wanted the project to be done right regardless of time.”

T-R PHOTO BY MIKE DONAHEY - Hundreds of Marshalltown residents were joined by Marshalltown High School alumni, former coaches, athletes, donors and more at Saturday’s Roundhouse Phase II grand opening.

Central to facility renovation is a new wrestling center, fittingly named after the late Allie Morrison, an outstanding wrestler for the Bobcats, the University of Illinois and an Olympic gold medal winner.

Some of Morrison’s family were in attendance to hear the glowing remarks.

The 12,928 square-foot wrestling center provides a free span center that fits three and one-half full-size 42-foot X 42-foot wrestling mats, support spaces and public restrooms.

High school wrestling coach Mike Mann, his words filled with emotion at times, thanked the community, the Martha-Ellen Tye Foundation and others for making the new room possible.

“No longer will students have to commute from MHS to temporary facilities at Anson Elementary School,” he said. “And no longer will we have to transport laundry from MHS to Anson.”

T-R PHOTO BY MIKE DONAHEY - Gary Schaudt of Marshalltown points to a former Marshalltown High School coach at Saturday’s Roundhouse Phase II grand opening. Schaudt was part of a team of local residents who worked to raise thousands in private donations.

Speaking from the lectern, former high school male cheerleader and local businessman Gary “Wipe Out” Schaudt added levity pointing to the spot where he performed his famous routine at basketball games dancing to the popular song on a surfboard.

Event emcee Schutte, a 1981 graduate, said during his remarks many of his fellow classmates were involved in the renovation, including architects Mark Williams and Kevin Eipperle. Williams is a principal partner and director of sports and entertainment business development at HKS Architects. Eipperle is with FEH Design.

Williams has supervised projects worldwide for National Football League teams Dallas Cowboys, Minnesota Vikings and Los Angeles Rams.

The event concluded with a brilliant red ribbon dramatically cut by Marshalltown School Board Board Vice President Janelle Carter.