PITTSBURG, Kan. (AP) -- Pittsburg State University has received a $1.2 million gift to renovate John Lance Arena.

The money comes from Pittsburg State graduates Alan and Roberta Whetzel. He played basketball and she was a cheerleader. They met on a Pittsburg State basketball trip in 1958.

The Whetzels went on to teach and coach. Later, they founded an electronic business supply company based in Wichita.

The school says the couple's gift will allow it to move quickly on the first phase of a multi-stage project to renovate the Weede Athletic Complex. One goal is to create an indoor event center.