Due to the growing population at Seton Hill University (SHU), as well as the addition of new athletic teams, it is becoming more difficult to find practice time and space for a lot of the sport teams on campus.
Both Sullivan and Salvitti Gymnasiums are being used by multiple teams, making it difficult to schedule practices for everyone.
By Amy Dugan,
Contributor
Due to the growing population at Seton Hill University (SHU), as well as the addition of new athletic teams, it is becoming more difficult to find practice time and space for a lot of the sport teams on campus.
Both Sullivan and Salvitti Gymnasiums are being used by multiple teams, making it difficult to schedule practices for everyone.
The cheerleading squad has been having trouble finding practice space this year.
Although in the past, the team has been flexible with where they practice, opting to use the aerobics room and spaces outside they are pushing for more gym time this year.
According to cheerleader Maren Masur, a junior, �The aerobics room is not large enough for us to work on stunting or dancing; that is why it is important that we have practices in the gym.�
The team practices Mondays and Wednesdays, but even with only two practices a week they are unable to always secure time in either Salvitti or Sullivan Gyms.
Masur also said that she does not feel that cheerleading gets equal chances to use the gyms compared to other teams.
Senior men’s basketball player Ryan Davis said, �Although we (the men’s basketball team) do try to get in the gym as much as possible, we try to practice later in the evening so that we do not interfere with other teams� practices such as volleyball, since we are out of season right now.�
For those who may not be on a sports team, but would like to blow off some steam in the gym after classes, the McKenna Center weight room and track are options.
Both the weight room and track are open to students, faculty, and staff Monday through Thursday from 9:30 a.m.-10:30 p.m., Fridays 9:30 a.m. – 8 p.m., Saturdays 12:00 pm – 8 p.m., and Sundays 12:00 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.
Although there is also a weight room in the new field house, it is currently available only to athletic teams under the supervision of their coaches.
There is also concern about whether or not Sullivan Gym is still open to students as it has been in the past.
According to Marc Marizzaldi, head men’s baseball coach, �Sullivan Gym is still open for student use, however, because of the addition of the wrestling program, as well as the use of Sullivan by six other athletic teams, students may be provided time for recreational use of Salvitti Gymnasium.�
So even though Salvitti Gym is typically for athletic teams and authorized intramural sports only, it may be made available to students in the future.
�Hopefully in the future a new practice facility can be built to alleviate the conflicts and make the current facilities more available for recreational use by students,� said Marizzaldi.
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