The Southern Oregon University Athletic Department has announced plans to re-name the gym inside McNeal Pavilion, Riehm Arena in Feburary 2011.
 
The re-naming will culminate a fundraising effort to honor longtime SOU wrestling coach and sport pioneer Bob Riehm.
 
"Bob did so much for the University, the athletic department and our wrestling program while he was here it's fitting that we will now be playing in Riehm Arena," SOU Athletic Director Matt Sayre said. 
 
Riehm, inducted into the SOU Sports Hall of Fame this past October, served as the head wrestling coach at SOU from 1969-94 and turned the wrestling program into one of the top program's in the Nation. The Raiders claimed the school's first three team NAIA National Championships in 1978, 1983 and 1994. During his 25-year run as head coach, the Raiders went 270-71-2 in dual meets, twelve of his teams won NAIA Regional Championships and 18 of his teams finished in the top eight at the NAIA National Championships.
 
As part of the re-naming process, the athletic department is looking to raise $100,000 for both renovations to the facility and scholarships for not only wrestling student-athletes, but general student-athletes as well.
 
So far the fundraising efforts have resulted in almost $40,000, with just a few months left before the re-naming ceremony on Feb. 5 as the SOU wrestling team takes on Montana State-Northern at 7 p.m.
 
The deadline for the $100,000 is fast approaching.
 
Giving levels have been set at the National Champion Level ($10,000 or more), All-American Level ($5,000 to $9,999), All-Region Level ($1,000 to $4,999) and Team Captain Level ($0 to $999).
 
To give or for more information, contact the SOU Athletic Department at 541-552-6824.