When Crestview Local Schools in Columbiana, Ohio, began planning a new athletic fieldhouse, the goal extended far beyond adding another locker room. The district wanted to create a modern athletic environment that could support student-athletes across all 21 varsity sports programs while making the most of every square foot.

The result was a thoughtfully designed standalone facility featuring indoor training space, a mezzanine weight room, football locker rooms, coaches’ offices, athletic training areas, and custom GearGrid locker systems built to handle the demands of daily high school athletics.

Building an Athletic Facility Around Performance and Flexibility

Crestview Local Schools serves just under 1,200 students K–12 and competes in Ohio’s smaller-school athletic divisions while maintaining a proud tradition of athletic excellence.

About three years ago, district leadership identified an opportunity to rethink how athletic facilities fit into a larger K–12 construction project. Rather than incorporating those spaces into the main school building, Crestview chose to develop a standalone fieldhouse—a decision that created significantly more usable space while remaining cost-effective.

The completed facility includes:

• A 30-yard by 30-yard indoor turf training space
• Two drop-down batting cages
• A 35-foot by 85-foot mezzanine weight room
• Football locker rooms
• Athletic training and recovery areas
• Coaches’ offices and locker areas
• Auxiliary restroom and locker facilities

One of the project’s biggest priorities was creating a space that could efficiently serve athletes across every program without sacrificing organization or functionality.

Why Crestview Chose GearGrid

When evaluating locker options, Crestview wanted more than traditional metal lockers. The district needed a system that could maximize space, simplify maintenance, and stand up to the realities of everyday athletic use.

According to Crestview Athletic Director Casey Bogerd, GearGrid immediately checked every box.

“We chose GearGrid because their lockers were exactly what we were looking for. The lockers are durable and easy to clean without any parts that would ‘wear out’ over time.”

The open-grid design also helped transform the feel of the locker room itself. Integrated seating and built-in storage improved organization while creating better visibility throughout the space.

“Our locker room isn’t huge, but with the GearGrid lockers, we have been able to make the most of the space. It feels bigger than it is.”

Designed for Everyday Athletic Use

High school locker rooms experience constant wear and tear throughout the year, from heavy equipment and daily traffic to multiple teams sharing the same space.

Since installation, Crestview has found the GearGrid system easy to maintain, practical for athletes and coaches, and exceptionally durable in day-to-day use.

“These lockers are exactly what we wanted, needed, and expected. They work much better than standard, solid metal lockers and seem to be damn near indestructible.”

Coaches have also embraced the visibility and organization that the system brings to the locker room environment.

A Collaborative Design Process

Crestview credits the GearGrid team with helping bring the overall vision to life.

From measurements and layout planning to design revisions and installation, GearGrid representative Jack Jahnke worked closely with the district throughout the project to ensure the final setup matched the facility’s needs.

“Jack was integral in designing the layout of what we have now and planning the entire process through installation.”

That partnership allowed Crestview to optimize the locker room layout while maintaining flexibility as plans evolved during construction.

Creating a Culture of Excellence

For Crestview, the impact of the project extends beyond the facility itself.

The upgraded fieldhouse and locker rooms reinforce the district’s commitment to student-athletes while creating an environment that reflects the standards and culture the program expects from its teams.

“This sets the tone and demonstrates to our student-athletes that Crestview is committed to athletic excellence.”

And when asked whether they would recommend GearGrid to other schools or athletic programs?

“Without hesitation.”

Ready to Build a Smarter Athletic Space?

Whether you’re renovating an existing locker room or planning a brand-new athletic facility, GearGrid helps schools create spaces that work harder for athletes, coaches, and programs alike.

From durable locker systems to collaborative layout planning, GearGrid partners with schools to maximize space, improve organization, and build environments designed for long-term performance.

Build a Locker Room That Lasts

Learn how GearGrid helps schools maximize space, improve organization, and build locker rooms designed for daily performance. 

Contact the GearGrid team today to start planning your project.