10.1

SPORTS

The Norwich Guidon
Mar. 25, 2004

Students voice problems with gym times

By Kate Brett
Norwich Guidon Staff Writer

She wakes up early one Sunday morning, thinking she'll get in a good workout before she showers and eats. But before even getting dressed, Kendra Burr realizes there is no point in going, because the gym is not open until 1p.m. Burr, 26, a sophomore nursing major from Hudsonville, Mich., would like to get up early and get her workout over with, but on the weekends at Norwich it is not possible, because the gym is only open from 1p.m. to 5p.m.

Burr said she thinks the gym should be open from 5a.m. to midnight every day.

"A lot of people want to use it, but they are busy on the weekend with homework or midterms, and they can't get down there between 1 and 5," she said.

Kevin Jusza, 20, a junior history major from Copiague, N.Y., said he had no problem with the hours of the gym during the week, because "they are usually open from the morning when I wake up to 10 at night."

But as for the weekend, Jusza said it was a "hindrance" because it was not open long enough for him. "I have to wait longer to work out, until 1p.m., then I have to make sure I get there right in the middle from 1 to 5," Jusza said.

Megan McDonald, 21, a junior computer information systems major from Anchorage, Ala,. said that she would go to the gym more often if it had longer hours on the weekends. McDonald said that the gym would not be as crowded on the weekends if they extended the hours.

Justin Napolitano, 21, a junior international studies major from Seattle, Wash., said he would like the gym to be open after 10 p.m. on the weekdays, because he does not get much time during the day or evening to work out.

"The gym should be open in the mornings for [physical training], so you can go down there," Napolitano said. On the weekends, the gym does not open until after brunch is served.

Burr said, "It would be helpful if the gym was open longer periods of time; therefore, you don't have to workout on a full stomach."

Some students would like to see the gym open 24 hours a day.

"It's not that big of a deal that the armory be left open longer or be opened up earlier," Burr said, "They have security 24 hours a day, it's just security taking the key and opening the door."

Jusza and McDonald suggested having a work-study student down at the gym during the longer hours.

The Norwich Guidon is a twice-monthly student newspaper distributed at Norwich University. It provides laboratory experience for students in the Communications program. Claims asserted by letter writers, editorials and other articles do not represent the positions of Norwich University. The Norwich Guidon welcomes signed letters to the editor. They should be no longer than 300 words. Unsigned letters will not be printed, but names may be withheld upon worthy request. All letters are subject to editing for length and good taste. Mailing address: The Norwich Guidon, Communications Center, Norwich University, Northfield, VT 056632. www.norwich.edu/guidon. If you have any questions or comments about the paper, please contact Professor Ken Bush at kbush@norwich.edu.