It would no longer be the only school in the Capital Athletic Conference -- and probably one of the only Division III basketball teams in the country -- not to have a home court on its own campus.

But for that to happen, the school needs to raise about $5 million. Until then, Hood must continue playing its men's and women's basketball games at the Odom Fitness Center at Fort Detrick, where games are being held this year, or any other facility it can find.

Wishful thinking, maybe not. Volpe remains the eternal optimist.

"We are now over $5 million, we're getting there little by little," said Volpe, who feels the school needs to raise $10 million before it can start building the new facility. "We need one or two major gifts."

Officials have been talking about building a new facility to replace antiquated Gambrill Gymnasium since the Reagan administration, but most of the time it was all talk and little action. For the past six years, the teams continued to play most of their "home" games at Thomas Johnson High School and practice at Gambrill on the Hood campus.

But now things appear to be changing. Earlier this year the school dedicated its new $2.6 million outdoor facility, which features a turf field. The softball field was also upgraded and a new locker room building was constructed.

"People see the field, see something we have done," Volpe said. "They see we're serious."

The field was dedicated in late October and, soon after, Volpe got a large check for the indoor facility.

Volpe said the new outdoor field is just one indication that the indoor facility is getting close.

Hood officials have also decided where they will build it, right next to the outdoor facility.

They have come up with a rendering of the building so people can actually see what it would look like.

And they have shown they can raise money in a troubled economy.

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They have also downsized the project. Initially, Volpe planned a much bigger facility that would have cost a great deal more. But it became apparent they could not raise the money needed for such a facility.

Now, they are planning a modest building -- one that will include an arena with about 2,000 seats, a lobby area, locker rooms and offices.

Volpe said that a new gym is important for the future of Hood because he believes the school is losing prospective students because it does not have such a facility.

"It would help enrollment, help retention. It's about recruiting students," he said. "Admission people tell me when they bring prospective students on campus, they want to see the gym."

The new arena could also be used for commencements, convocations, concerts and the like.

"We've had momentum going since we dedicated the field," said Volpe, who said the school is putting out a brochure explaining how people can donate money. "We have to strike while the iron is hot."

n On other notes, Volpe said he would like to add one other sport at Hood, baseball. He said it would not cost much. Hood does not have a baseball diamond, so it would have to find a place to play games.

He also said he might consider turning Gambrill Gymnasium into a fitness center with a weight room area. They originally planned on putting a weight room in the new facility, but cut that out to keep costs down.

He doesn't think they will tear down the old gymnasium.

"It is such an important part of this college," he said.

Post your comments » Round 2: Snow expected to fall today, Wednesday Fast on the heels of the largest 24-hour snowfall to hit the Frederick County since 1983, meteorologists are predicting another round of heavy snow and wind to hit today. The National Weather Service issued a winter storm warning Monday afternoon for the area, including Frederick County, and said 10 to 20 inches of snow is possible by Wednesday night. Weather-related closings, delays A list follows of weather-related closings and cancellations for this week. Fire and police blotter Police search for robber School closures cause makeup schedule revision Even though Frederick County Public Schools are closed today -- using the sixth snow day this school year -- the school system will not hold school on the Monday Presidents Day holiday as the first scheduled snow makeup day. Crowds pay respect to fallen marine Even U.S. Marines couldn't hold back tears Monday at the viewing of their colleague, Sgt. David Smith. The procession to the Frederick Christian Fellowship Church was led by Frederick County Sheriff's deputies. Dressed in full military regalia, Marines carried Smith's casket into the church followed by family members as more Marines stood at attention.