By Ryanne Forcht,
Sports Editor

What once seemed like a distant dream for many of Seton Hill University (SHU)?s athletes is now a reality.

The days of battle scars garnered from fights over the lone eight-pound dumbbell in the closet known as the old weight room are now but a dim memory.

Wait a second-the new facility doesn't even have an 8 lb dumbbell.
This truth, like a speck of mud on a pair of brand new Jordans, or Air Force Ones, or whatever shoes you kids wear today, lends me to offer a few critiques of the new center.

First and foremost, we all know that some of the world's most elite athletes and some of SHU's most determined elliptical-Nazis, as I like to call them, train at the crack of dawn.

The hours of operation at the McKenna Center, unfortunately, do not reflect this reality.

However, it does accommodate those who feel guilty after eating too many cookies at dinner and want to go for a late evening run.

It is a fact, that while lifting, an athlete likes to covertly check out what other people are doing in the mirrors, but this, as well as the very important checking of proper form, is not feasible in the new facility.

Although there is a good-sized window to peek in on the aerobics classes, which some may find appealing to the senses; personally, I'd rather have a mirror.

My final critique, I promise, is that there is only one set of dumbells per weight.

This could lead to some serious problems, people.

Imagine the potential crisis if more than two people need to use the ten-pound weights, all working towards those rock-hard biceps they've been awed by those of Jennifer Garner of Alias or of Brad Pitt (who never ceases to amaze)?

Starting in early April, the recreation center will be open from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Any time prior to 9:00 a.m. is reserved for team functions.

The new offices in the center are occupied by several of the athletic department members: Tony Morocco, men's basketball coach; Marc Marizzaldi, sports information director; Dan McCarty, associate athletic director; Paula Dove, events coordinator; Scott Breegle, women?s basketball coach; and Rick Hall, women's volleyball coach.

The center also sports a conference room and several locker rooms.

To date, it has been run by athletic workstudy students who take SHU ID cards at the receptionist desk.

Overall, I will admit that the recreation center has already become significantly integrated into life on the hill.

Beyond its beauty and functionality, it has successfully fostered a new and improved enthusiasm for healthy living and has allowed those who may have been intimidated in the old gym setting to sweat with the rest of us.

With the opening of the McKenna Recreation Center, SHU effectively established a new hub for campus life.

I extend my thanks to those who took an active part in soliciting the funds for bringing this opportunity to the hill.

Now that there is an adequate facility to work out in, I can finally put my Denise Austin and Tae Bo video collections to rest.

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