How students are reacting to the new McGee Center

Andrew Elliot, Staff Writer

As you walk in the big glass doors, you enter the spacious lobby. On your left, you see students lifting weights as if they’re bodybuilders and above you see an occasional faculty member walking on the track. The new fitness center is up and running as it opened officially last Friday. Many students have taken advantage of the new classes and machines available for use; such as cycling classes, ellipticals and treadmills, the usual yoga classes, butts and guts, BODYCOMBAT, and more activities.

The facilities are also a favorite of the new center. Such as the indoor track and multipurpose field, the racquetball courts, and basketball/volleyball courts. Many of the students are definitely enjoying the center.

The Weekly Triangle was able to get some interviews from a few students about the new gym. “I love it!” Said Amy Victoria, a freshman Elementary Ed major and music minor. “I took a cycle class and it was so much fun!” The cycling class is something new where you are able to ride stationary bikes and be part of simulated hill climbing, sprints, and races.

The McGee Center is also a great place for the athletes; according to Alanya Mosher, a freshman criminal justice major. “I think it’s great and definitely necessary for the athletes on-campus.” The other day, Alanya and her friends discovered the rowing machine, a machine that simulates rowing a boat in the water. “It’s murder,” said Alana, “ but I love it.”

The fitness center is also a faculty/staff friendly environment due to its space and convenience. The Triangle was able to catch up with Mr. Isaac Meadows, a reference and instruction librarian at the Ethel K. Smith Library. “I really like it. You can see that it’s very helpful to students and faculty,” said Mr. Meadows, “The equipment is nice, clean and everything is spread out. I feel that the gym makes fitness more of an important element on campus than it was before.”

The McGee Center is open from 6:30 am to 11:00pm Monday thru Thursday, 6:30am to 8:00pm on Friday, 10am to 4pm Saturday, and 1pm to 11pm Sunday.

Edited by: Brea Childs