Sports 101 offers a new 'class' of restaurant for Albion students
By Jason Allgire
Staff Writer

How about a big screen TV, eight 19" TV's, two pool tables, a foosball table, pinball games and a dance floor all just blocks from campus?

Sports 101, located at 301 N. Clinton St. and slated to be open in early December, is exactly what the name implies: a combination of sports and the college.

The bar and grill will offer such staples as hamburgers, hot dogs and appetizers. In addition, beer on tap and a full bar will be available for those over 21. But you don't have to be 21 to enter.

The building was originally a railroad freight house where freight was weighed for shipment. The original scale from the freight house is still in the building.

The atmosphere remains an open one. Hardwood stretches throughout the establishment, accompanied by the building's original windows, brick walls and ceiling.

"I think we have a lot to offer students," said Laura Gano, Sports 101 manager. "We want to offer the people what they want. We're more than open to suggestions from anybody."

The restaurant is the result of three years of planning and investment by its co-owners Nadine and Michael Croad. Their inspiration came from a business class Nadine Croad took in Jackson.

The purchase alone took almost one year to finalize. For six months following their purchase, the Croads planned the building's future.

After deciding on Sports 101 as their endeavor, the Croads applied for a liquor license and physically prepared the building for occupancy. This process has taken 12 months.

Major renovations - like removing overhead shipping doors and replacing them with hardwood - are complete. With most of the building left in its original form - save a fresh coat of paint - Sports 101 is sure to be a popular field trip.