Rob Gronkowski played on some of the most successful and talented teams in NFL history. Over the last few months, the Woodland Hills High School alum formed another highly successful team to help give his alma mater a lift.
Thanks to donations from Gronkowski, U.S. Steel, and State Senator Jay Costa, Woodland Hills was able to renovate its weight room and fitness center to give its student-athletes a boost against the competition. Gronkowski and his team from Gronk Fitness, representatives from U.S. Steel, and the Woodland Hills athletic department formally reopened the fitness center during a ribbon cutting ceremony on Tuesday, April 8.
“It’s just an honor to be able to team up and be able to get this accomplished, because it was well needed,” Gronkowski told a gathering of Woodland Hills students and special guests. “It's just an honor that U.S. Steel, myself and my family, that we can help contribute to your guys' success, to get to the next level and build a strong foundation within your own self and your body. Thank you for that honor.”
Gronkowski donated $200,000 through his foundation, which was then matched by U.S. Steel, to help fund the rehabilitation effort. Senator Costa also helped Woodland Hills secure additional funding for the project.
“We love to get together and partner with folks like Gronk Fitness and the schools and give back to the communities where we all live and work,” U.S. Steel Vice President & Chief Manufacturing Officer – North American Flat-Rolled Segment Scott D. Buckiso told the assembled audience. “As Gronk said, this facility is going to be used by thousands, and it’s going to benefit the community and benefit all of you in one way or another.”
Through Gronkowski’s “Gronk Fitness” brand, the Gronkowski family helped supply Woodland Hills with all new equipment, from free weights to rowing machines and more. The upgrades replaced aging equipment, some of which predated Gronkowski’s graduation from Woodland Hills High School in 2007.
“There will be thousands and thousands of student-athletes who use this weight room,” Woodland Hills Director of Athletics, Activities, and Sponsorships Ty Brown told the student-athletes. “It starts with you guys. U.S. Steel believes in the community, Rob believes in Woodland Hills, and we were able to make this happen for you guys. I just want to make sure that you know that this is not normal. You guys are special.”
The upgraded facility will not only be available to the student-athletes on Woodland Hills High School’s 19 athletic programs, but will be accessible for all students to improve their physical fitness and overall health.
Gronkowski added that his own belief in strength and fitness began with his father. In 1990, Gordie Gronkowski Sr., proud father of the Gronkowski brothers, took the initiative to establish G&G Fitness. This endeavor had an immense impact on their athletic journeys, with physical fitness taking precedence in their lives. Fueled to inspire individuals to push boundaries and embrace healthier lifestyles, the Gronkowski Brothers created Gronk Fitness Products.
Gronk Fitness prides itself on offering an extensive array of top-notch fitness equipment, accessories, and apparel, catering to the needs of both professional athletes and fitness enthusiasts. Regarded as frontrunners in the realm of functional fitness equipment, Gronk Fitness supplies an extensive clientele ranging from educational institutions to commercial and home gyms across the nation. With an unwavering commitment to quality, functionality, and performance, Gronk Fitness guarantees that each and every product is designed to optimize training sessions and help users actualize their fitness aspirations with utmost efficacy.
The Woodland Hills School District is proud to provide a comprehensive public education to its students and serve the communities of Braddock, Braddock Hills, Chalfant, Churchill, East Pittsburgh, Edgewood, Forest Hills, North Braddock, Rankin, Swissvale, Turtle Creek, and Wilkins Township.