Du Quoin High School Basketball Floor Removed; Artwork Saved for Later Use

</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[Demolition of the gymnasium floor at the Du Quoin?High School began last week with an eye toward preserving some of the artwork that might be meaningful to generations of Indian basketball fans. It may ultimately be used as wall art or as part of a DHS Hall of Fame display.

The floor has sported many great players, coaches and outstanding seasons over the decades.

It is the original floor, although a large section of water damaged floor on the east end had to be replaced years ago, Smaller repairs had to be made in recent years. The floor has been refinished several times.

The plan toward reconstructing the floor--installed when the school was built in 1954 and completed and opened in 1955--is one of quality, cost-effectiveness and simple beauty.

The floor will be constructed of first quality No. 1 maple, which will have a soft, lighter finish to it than the current floor.

At this writing, the only planned art on the floor is Du Quoin's signature laced "DQ" and possibly the Crazy Indian, but that has not been decided.

Otherwise, the floor will sport red basketball court lines and white volleyball court lines.

The floor will complement the French white walls, red duct work in the ceiling and the recently installed new seating.

After the new floor is down, a temporary wall on the east end that has shielded work on the new set of locker rooms will come down.

There is also a new walkout in the southwest corner for the Du Quoin High School pep band. The band will no longer have to perform down on the floor. Instead, members will come out of the band room, take a few steps south and set up on the new walkout which is part of the upper concourse.

Renovations in the R.P.Hibbs Auditorium and the band room are nearing completion, as well.

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