VC opens doors to student fitness |
Maureen Hagrman |
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Students have the opportunity to exercise much more than their minds while on campus. They can get their bodies in shape as well in the Vadalabene Center. At the VC, students have many resources, including the Student Fitness Center, the Wellness Center, an indoor pool, weight equipment, open courts and a jogging track, to help keep them in top physical condition. Through the VC, students can take advantage of free weights, fitness and wellness programs, circuit weights and intramural sports and even get personal trainers. The VC offers opportunities that teach the value of overall wellness, including the health of mind, body and spirit, while giving students a chance to work out, relax, compete and have some fun. According to D. DeShawn Collier, an employee of the VC, the VC and Campus Recreation is diverse and offers something beneficial to all students. "The SIU facilities offer students the opportunity to work out, stay fit and gives them direct access to recreational activities and sports. It offers a large variety of activities, both indoor and outdoor," Collier said. While at the VC, students can play to relax or practice, or if they are up for a little challenge and competition, students can participate in a variety of intramural sports, such as basketball, racquetball, volleyball and 3-point contests. Michael Turpeau Jr., an intramural sports supervisor, said different intramurals are always happening at the VC, and it's easy for students to get involved and compete. "Fliers posted (in the VC) will tell you what sport is going on, and students just go to the front desk and register. Students can enter a team or they can always enter singly, and we will find a team for you," Turpeau said. Intramurals provide a cheap, fun, yet competitive way for students to play without having to be on a college team. "It (intramurals) gives them (students) a taste of competition. People don't realize how competitive intramurals can be sometimes, but all the competitions are fun. Everyone has fun no matter what skill level they are," Turpeau said. For more information on intramurals, contact Chad Rodgers, coordinator of Campus Recreation, at 650-3241, or call the VC at 650-BFIT. In addition to the facilities and programming the VC offers, students can also rent equipment from the VC ranging from racquetball rackets to canoes and tents. A full list of rental equipment and cost for renting can be found in the Life After Class booklet or at the VC equipment rental center. The fall hours for the VC are 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, and 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday. The Wellness Center is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. A complete list of all hours and programs can be found in the Life After Class booklet. For more information on the VC, pick up a Life After Class booklet, which can be found in most buildings on campus, call 650-BWEL to reach the Wellness Center or call the VC front desk at 650-BFIT. | |