Written by Greg Billing, Middletown Journal Staff Writer

SPRINGBORO — Backed up against the expanded home-side bleachers, the large three-story building strikes an imposing presence at Springboro High School’s football field.

Consider it the Panthers’ 12th man on Friday nights.

Springboro debuted its multi-purpose building — the Miami Valley Hospital EduCare facility — during the high school’s team football camp this month. Coaches, players and parents had a chance to check out the new locker rooms, weight room, coaches offices and meeting room. The general consensus?

“Whoa!” senior middle linebacker Jake Dwyer said. “It’s going to build a lot of tradition.”

The building, part of an $11-million face lift on Springboro’s campus using no taxpayer dollars and designed by SHP Leading Design, is already proving its worth. During a July 11 practice the team was forced indoors by lightning. Previously, with the football team using classrooms as meeting rooms, the day would have been lost. But with all football facilities under one roof, the Panthers broke down into offensive and defensive groups.

“Rather than saying Saturday was a wash after the storm, we ended up getting bonus film and meeting time and still got the rest of practice in,” Springboro coach Ryan Wilhite said.

The building is a boon considering Springboro has seen four straight levy failures and had to implement pay-to-play. Miami Valley Hospital formed a partnership with Springboro City Schools to purchase naming rights for the football stadium, CareFlight Field. MVH also is providing construction costs for the EduCare facility.

The agreement also paid for synthetic turf on the football field in 2008, upgraded bleachers (2,000 seating capacity on home side, 1,000 on visitors side), a press box, spirit shop and improved concessions areas.

For the Panthers, one of the biggest differences can be seen — and felt — in the weight room. Plyometric boxes, a platform area for Olympic lifts and 12 multi-use weight racks dominate the spacious workout area.

Now the Panthers — who have won two straight GWOC South titles — hope to build on their momentum.

“The next step is to get in the Division I playoffs. It’s so important for us to keep winning league titles … but right now we have the tools to get it done,” Wilhite said. “Our guys have set a goal they want to be the first team in Springboro history to qualify for the Division I state playoffs.”

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2400, ext. 6991, or gbilling@DaytonDailyNews.com.