Sports complex shortens hours, adds free classes
Betsy Woodruff
Issue date: 2/12/09 Section: Sports
The Sports Complex shortened its hours for the spring semester, closing at 10 p.m. instead of 12 a.m. after its trial run. It also added some new free fitness classes for students.
Anita Gordon, a staff assistant for athletics, said the hours were shortened because not enough students were using the building between 10 p.m. and midnight to justify keeping the building open for the extra two hours.
They were initially extended for students who preferred working out late at night, said Paul Noce, head baseball coach.
Some students are unhappy about the change.
"I would definitely go more often if it was open after 10 [p.m.]," said junior Larissa Swanson.
She said she was kicked out once because she thought it was open until 10:30 p.m.
The news also displeased freshman Paul Larsen.
"Because of the shortened hours, I have had to choose between class and fitness," he said.
In addition to having to work out according to class schedules, the weight room is often too congested for non-athletes during practice hours. Noce said the best time for students to use the weight room is on weekends and at night. It is particularly busy between 2:00 and 6:00 p.m., when teams tend to work out in groups.
The arena is also busiest in the afternoon, according to Noce, when basketball, baseball and softball have practice.
"The athletes have priority on stuff - you know, practice times," Noce said. "It would be nice if they would build that IM building. That would alleviate a lot of the congestion."
The Collegian reported last week, the plans for an IM?building are in the works.
While limiting students' access to the facility, the college has opened another outlet for students who want more opportunities to work out: free fitness classes. These classes are taught by Alesia Aumock, a certified fitness instructor who has been working at the college for 24 years.
"Alesia can do anything," said Ashley LaCarter, resident life advisor and director of campus recreation.
Each class session is an hour and a half long. Students are divided into two groups: one group spends the first 45 minutes on the stationary bikes, while the other group do pilatesstick, a form of pilates using resistance bands to work core muscles.
LaCarter said the free classes are part of the administration's efforts to help students stay fit and relieve stress.
"We have extremely high academically achieving students," she said. "It's important to maintain that level of sanity and relieve those levels of high stress and anxiety in students."
The college will also purchase a kayak, a canoe and some volleyballs and basketballs for student use.
Anita Gordon, a staff assistant for athletics, said the hours were shortened because not enough students were using the building between 10 p.m. and midnight to justify keeping the building open for the extra two hours.
They were initially extended for students who preferred working out late at night, said Paul Noce, head baseball coach.
Some students are unhappy about the change.
"I would definitely go more often if it was open after 10 [p.m.]," said junior Larissa Swanson.
She said she was kicked out once because she thought it was open until 10:30 p.m.
The news also displeased freshman Paul Larsen.
"Because of the shortened hours, I have had to choose between class and fitness," he said.
In addition to having to work out according to class schedules, the weight room is often too congested for non-athletes during practice hours. Noce said the best time for students to use the weight room is on weekends and at night. It is particularly busy between 2:00 and 6:00 p.m., when teams tend to work out in groups.
The arena is also busiest in the afternoon, according to Noce, when basketball, baseball and softball have practice.
"The athletes have priority on stuff - you know, practice times," Noce said. "It would be nice if they would build that IM building. That would alleviate a lot of the congestion."
The Collegian reported last week, the plans for an IM?building are in the works.
While limiting students' access to the facility, the college has opened another outlet for students who want more opportunities to work out: free fitness classes. These classes are taught by Alesia Aumock, a certified fitness instructor who has been working at the college for 24 years.
"Alesia can do anything," said Ashley LaCarter, resident life advisor and director of campus recreation.
Each class session is an hour and a half long. Students are divided into two groups: one group spends the first 45 minutes on the stationary bikes, while the other group do pilatesstick, a form of pilates using resistance bands to work core muscles.
LaCarter said the free classes are part of the administration's efforts to help students stay fit and relieve stress.
"We have extremely high academically achieving students," she said. "It's important to maintain that level of sanity and relieve those levels of high stress and anxiety in students."
The college will also purchase a kayak, a canoe and some volleyballs and basketballs for student use.
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