Introducing the Pan Athletic Center

CHRISTOPHER G. LYNN ’66 POOL

The 25-yard pool offers maximum flexibility for Andover’s comprehensive aquatics program. Home to PA’s swimming, diving, and water polo teams, the pool is engineered to accommodate eight competition lanes or 13 practice lanes for workouts, racing, and even instructional swim classes. It’s also the site of New England’s only full-sized high school water polo course. Amenities in the complex include the Robby Browne ’66 Hot Tub, adjustable starting blocks, two 1-meter diving boards and dedicated diving section, an OMEGA-Swiss Timing system, locker rooms, and on-deck seating for more than 300.

VANTZELFDE FAMILY VIEWING AREA

Friends, parents, and alumni can cheer on Big Blue swimmers in this bright, open concourse overlooking the length of the pool from the second floor. The viewing area was made possible by the Vantzelfde Family Foundation (Nicholas ’97). It’s the best—and driest—vantage point for up to 468 of Andover’s most passionate fans to catch split-second relay finishes, graceful dives, and thrilling water polo matches taking place below.

MODESTE LOBBY

The main entryway to the Pan Athletic Center celebrates the school’s recently retired Athletic Director Leon A. Modeste III. Better known as “Coach Mo,” Modeste also served as head football coach and boys’ basketball coach, among other positions, over a stellar 33-year career. This year, he was inducted into the Andover Athletics Hall of Honor. An anonymous gift was made in his honor to name this space.

ABBOT ACADEMY DANCE SUITE

The dance suite includes a performance hall outfitted with acoustic wall panels and seating for 137, makeup and costume rooms, a green room, and a student lounge. The gift for the suite is the largest ever given by the Abbot Academy Fund, which champions projects consistent with Abbot principles and the current interests of Phillips Academy students and faculty. Of note, the main studio is named for longtime Abbot and Andover dance instructor Cristina A. Rubio P’81, GP’12, ’17.

LAWRENCE FAMILY WRESTLING SUITE

Andover’s grapplers can practice their hammerlocks in the Lawrence Family Wrestling Suite, donated by Larry J. Lawrence ’60. It comprises the J. Richard Lux Warm-Up Space plus areas for weigh-ins and training. Competitors will face each other atop the Andover-branded floor mats lining the main room, while bleachers offer seating for more than 140 supporters of this popular all-gender sport.

ANDOVER ATHLETICS HALL OF HONOR

Prominently located near the Main Street entrance, the Hall brings to fruition the full vision of Richard J. Phelps ’46, P’73, ’89, GP’14, and James M. Mead ’47, P’73, ’78, GP’18, ’18. In 2008, the esteemed duo wished to annually recognize the school’s remarkable lineage of athletes, coaches, teams, and trainers. Today, the generosity of Phelps and Scott Mead ’73, P’18, ’18, who donated in honor of his father, has created a lively and interactive presentation. Guests will be treated to a spirit video, touch screens, and engaging exhibits, building on the original Hall in Borden Gym.

Originally printed in The Vista: Views from the Knowledge & Goodness Campaign, fall 2022.