New Bedford High Dedicates Fitness Center to Bobby Watkins [VIDEO]

NEW BEDFORD — The Robert A. "Bobby" Watkins Fitness Center is now officially open at New Bedford High School. A dedication ceremony was held Tuesday, honoring the former 1940's New Bedford High and Ohio State football star, who also played in the N-F-L with the Chicago Bears.

Watkins was familiar with the old weight room at the High School, but was deeply moved when he visited the new facility.

The new fitness center includes 12 half-racks of weights, a turf area for speed training, space for core exercises and stability, and much more.

Mayor Jon Mitchell called the fitness center the best facility in the state. Headmaster Bernadette Coelho told WBSM News, students have been using the fitness center since the start of the school year, and they absolutely love it. "It gives them an opportunity to work together as teammates, collaborate and get the job done."