A new place to play
Rec Center opening brings students and excitement
Ryan Tubongbanua / The Collegian
(Above) The cutting of the ribbon signified the opening of the Recreation Center. (Below) Playing student leaders, Welty sets up his basketball shot.
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By Jillian Yalung
The Collegian
Students worked out and enjoyed the facilities of the New Student Recreation Center on its first weekend of operation.
The Center opened Friday, with more than 400 students attending the opening ceremony presided over by University President John Welty, Vice President and Dean of Students Paul Oliaro and Associated Student President Jennifer Reimer.
The students were treated to a basketball match between faculty vs. student basketball match, with Welty playing for the faculty side.
“It was an amazing opening,” Kory Robinson, Building Manager for the Student Recreation Center, said.
Upon entering the Center, students received gifts such as ID cardholders, makeup kits, water-bottle holders and the Fresno State magazine.
Throughout the weekend, students came to experience the Recreation Center.
The Center is full of possibilities, Robinson said. Students using the Recreation Center and student employees are hopeful the Center would soon be the popular place to go.
“It’s a college atmosphere,” Jacob Warwick, Assistant Building Manager said. “You can socialize as well as workout.”
Fresno State senior Lloyd Thompson said the process to enter the Recreation Center was a simple one.
Thompson said on Saturday, he walked into the facility, showed the workers his Fresno State student identification card and was granted immediate access.
Once inside, Thompson said he went straight to the basketball courts.
“[The] four full-size basketball courts are great,” Thompson said, after playing basketball on the courts.
Thompson said he thinks many students are still unaware of the facility, but he wants other students to take advantage of the opportunity to use the Center.
The Recreation Center features cardiovascular exercise equipment, weights, a two and three lane track, two aerobic and dance studios, four basketball courts, and two racquetball courts.
Freshman Albert Ticer came to the Recreation Center to prepare for his basketball conditioning.
“It is a real blessing to have this place,” Ticer said. He also said the atmosphere of the Center is better than other gyms and fitness centers.
Ryan Tubongbanua / The Collegian
Raquetball is one of the sports students can play at the Recreation Center. Here Ben Holton, left, and Ryne Santos, right, play a friendly game. |
The hours of the Recreation Center are college student friendly. Open seven days a week, students can come in for a good workout in between classes. The Recreation Center is open Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and on Sunday from 12 p.m. to 11 p.m.
In addition to state-of-the-art equipment and the student-friendly hours, the Center is within walking distance from the on-campus Residence Halls.
“I like it because it’s on campus and it’s free,” Greg Munger, a junior, said. Munger said he spent part of his Saturday afternoon working out at the Center.
The Center is free for use by Fresno State students. Construction of the facility was funded by student fees and private gifts.
“I’m honored to be working here,” Robinson said. “It is a privilege to work for such a fine facility.”
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