Case Study: South Oak Cliff High School

South Oak Cliff High School in Dallas, TX recently completed a major school renovation project in 2020 where approximately 90% of the school was renovated and a pair of additions totaling approximately 60,000 square feet were built. The Golden Bears chose The Athletic Edge to provide furniture and equipment for their renovated athletic training room. Campus Athletic Trainer, Jocelyn Shackelford, MA, LAT, ATC, shares her experience working with The Athletic Edge.

Leg & Shoulder (LAST) Therapy Tables with rolling stools

South Oak Cliff High School received funding for the renovation project through a 2015 Dallas Independent School District bond program, which was motivated by a student walkout and protests and community unrest over the school’s declining conditions that included a gas leak, roof and HVAC issues, leaking ceilings, mold, water contamination and pests.

The redesigned school includes a new, two-story addition housing administration offices, four science labs, a community meeting space, and a new entry connecting to one of the school’s hidden jewels—a landscaped courtyard. In addition, the school also constructed an athletic facility addition that includes a 2,500-seat gymnasium, state-of-the-art weight room, auxiliary gymnasium that serves as a storm shelter and a circulation space that features a grand, three-story, light-filled concourse nicknamed the Legacy Concourse that celebrates the heritage of the school’s student athletes. 

Q & A with Jocelyn Shackelford
MA, LAT, ATC | South Oak Cliff High School

Q: Did your athletic training facility present any challenges when it came to treating athletes?
A: "Honestly, we faced many challenges prior to the renovation and new equipment. In addition to lack of space and old mismatched equipment, we also had a huge lack of storage space. The new overhead cabinets freed up some floor space while still providing the storage we needed."

Q: Was your new athletic training room update part of the huge school renovation project?
A: "Yes. The entire athletics facility was a new addition built onto the rear of the old school building. In addition to the athletic training room, the new building includes two gyms (one of which serves as a storm shelter), locker rooms, a weight room, a wrestling room, athletic offices, plenty of storage, and a concession stand."

Q: Where are your sports medicine facilities located on campus, and was this part of the new building addition?
A: The athletic training room is apart of the new addition and is located adjacent to the Alumni Arena (competition gymnasium) in the main athletic hallway. The wet area, which houses our whirlpools, is conveniently located inside the athletic training room.

Q: How has the major school renovation impacted the staff, students, coaches and community?
A: "The renovation has had a positive impact on everyone. Both staff and students are excited every day to report to school and enjoy the features of the new building. Coaching life has been made easier since we now have our own state-of-the-art facilities as we no longer have to commute daily in order to practice and/or host games. The community has also shown their excitement for the new facilities as they take tours of the building and attend events. Everyone is truly grateful because they knew the condition of the school prior to renovation and how long it took to get where we are now."

Photo courtesy of South Oak Cliff High School

Q: What made you decide to work with The Athletic Edge?
A: "The decision to work with Athletic Edge was not my idea as I was brought in during the mid-point of the renovation, but I am glad the decision was made to work with Athletic Edge because everything turned out amazing!

Q: What are some of your favorite features of your new Athletic Edge equipment?
A: I absolutely love the personalization we were able to add to the tables, cabinets, and stools. Some of the athletes come from neighborhoods and homes where they may not have the nicest things, so I’m glad that we are able to provide a positive environment designed to instill confidence in our athletes and help them reach their goals. 

Q: Would you recommend The Athletic Edge to others?
A: "I would absolutely recommend Athletic edge to others looking to upgrade their equipment and revamp their space. Athletic Edge has a wide variety of great quality equipment and options that can really make any space pop!"