On dusty hardwood floors, players used dut mops to get the gym ready for recreational time. They are ready to exercise and practice their skills. The swish of basketballs sound through the gym, as the balls make it inside the net after jump shots in multiple games of one on one during the gym’s recreational time.
Bob Bottger, manager of physical education and athletics, runs the recreational time in the gym. According to Bottger, “Recreational time in the gym is when there aren’t any classes or practices scheduled. So the facility is available for students, faculty and staff to use.”
Athletes also use the recreational time in the gym to improve their skills in the sports they play.
Ashley Walker, a basketball player at STLCC-Meramec, said she plans on playing next year for the Women’s Magic team. “I really like using the gym because it helps me stay in shape for basketball next season,” Walker said.
Students are also encouraged to make use of the recreational time for their own utilization, in the right manner, Bottger said.
Albert Tran, a Meramec Student, said he goes to the open gym to play basketball and get some exercise.
“I use the gym’s recreational time two times a week. Right before class I’ll play around. The gym is nice, floors aren’t too slippery and the baskets are in good condition,” said Tran.
The gym is open for one hour every day during the week from 12-1 p.m. for students, faculty and staff.
According to Bottger, the benefits to using the open gym time include not only exercise but also social interaction with peers.
Tran echoes this sentiment and said he uses open gym for both. “I use the gym to help me keep my skills up, like I practice my shooting more than anything. To get better, I play against people in the gym, and there is always someone to play with and against.”
“I think it is important for students to relax and be social, so that’s why I keep the gym open,” Bottger said. “I think we should have more facility recreational time than we have. It’s just that practices and classes take up most of the time in the gym.”
Basketball is the main sport that is played in the gym during recreation time but according to Bottger, recreational time “permits any type of sport in the gym just as long as the facility isn’t damaged. Use not abuse.”
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