With the surge in student population at Sam Houston State University pushing almost 20,000 this semester, the various facilities on campus are busting at the seams, including the Recreational Sports Center.
According to Scott Vaculik, assistant director of recreational sports at SHSU, the most noticeable and significant difference this semester as opposed to years past has been the increased number of students utilizing the facility and its programs.
Despite the apparent need for an RSC expansion, according to Vaculik, renovation plans are out of the question for the time being.
“Unfortunately, our fee structure is capped,” Vaculik said. “Therefore, at this time we are not able to have any renovations.”
Although modifications to the current building are not in the budget, the construction of an additional building is already in the works.
“There is a great need for another building so that is our future plan,” Vaculik said. “The University’s Master Plan actually shows a new Recreation building on the current White Hall dorm site.”
To keep up with the thriving student population, Vaculik said that the department has increased and added the amount of fitness classes they offer as well as the amount of equipment in the facility.
Some of these activities offered include intramural sports, informal recreation, club sports, wellness, special events, outdoor recreation and aquatics.
In addition to the RSC, other facilities managed by the department of recreational sports include the Health and Kinesiology Center, Johnson Coliseum, McAdams Tennis Complex, Pritchett Field Sports Complex, three intramural sports fields, sand volleyball courts and the University Camp.
Specifically pertaining to the RSC however, the facility houses a 34-foot-tall climbing wall and bouldering area, a 10,000 square-foot weigh room and cardio area, several multipurpose fitness rooms, and an outdoor heated swimming pool. Additionally, joined to the HKC the facility also offers four basketball courts, two multipurpose rooms, an eighth-mile indoor running track, ten racquetball courts as well as a supplemental weight room.
In the meantime however, until the Master Plan becomes a reality for the RSC, Vaculik recommends students and faculty utilize the facilities during the time frames that are less frequented by the rest of the population to avoid having to wait for machines.
“The busy times are Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday’s between 3 p.m. and 8 p.m.,” he said. “I would recommend coming in the mornings—we do open at 6:30 a.m., or later in the evenings—we close at 12 a.m. Monday through Thursday.”
Despite the inconvenience a crowded workout area may pose for students and faculty, Vaculik said the importance of spending time in the RSC has ramifications students cannot overlook.
“Working out daily can reduce stress and improve overall well-being,” he said.
For more information regarding the services offered by the Department of Recreation Sports and Activities, call 936-294-1985 or visit the department office located in the RSC room 162.