The Collegian

Issue date: 2/14/08 Section: News

Media Credit: Myles Sandrian The football team lifts weights in the often overcrowded Roche Sports Complex.

Monday, 3:30 p.m. The humid, sweaty air of the Roche Sports Complex basement resonates with clangs and grunts from at least 25 athletes.

The complex often overcrowds during peak hours. Winter cold only makes the problem worse. There are still plans to build an intramural building, but they rest far in the future.

"It's never been as crowded as it is now," sophomore Ali Rentschler said. "I bet a lot of people are like 'I don't want to deal with that.' A lot of people want to work out before dinner, too."

"When football players - or any athletic teams for that matter - are in there it is a really different atmosphere," senior Jack DeGrave said. "You try to avoid them so you're not in their way and they take up about 75 percent of the equipment. You are really limited in what you can do."

Mandy Salisbury, a teacher at Will Carlton Academy, said she also tries to avoid busy times in the weight room.

"I understand they have to be in there," she said. "If there was another building, people wouldn't have to worry about the athletes, and [athletes] would probably appreciate it too."

Vice President of Administration Rich Péwé said plans for an intramural building, proposed before Kendall and Lane halls were even built, are still in the works. When building could begin depends on fundraising and other projects taking priority, Péwé said.

"The need hasn't changed at all," he said. "It is still a very viable and important part of the master plan."

The forthcoming intramural building would include an 3,980-square-foot mezzanine with cardio-fitness equipment and weight machines, and a lower level with tennis courts and three hardwood courts. The estimated cost is $4.39 million.

"Stuff needs to be more functional for people who are going for regular fitness," said Jeff Forino, men's assistant head track and field coach. "I don't think there is any answer until there is more space."

In the mean time, Assistant Women's Basketball Coach Tim Wells said, sports teams and members try to make the best of a "tough situation," though the crowd reflects positive growth in the college's athletic program.

Continued...

Page 1 of 2 next >

Article Tools