Open gyms begin tonight, will continue during spring semester

Waldorf students and employees have a new recreation option on campus beginning today (Dec. 10) and each Friday during the spring semester.

The Hanson Fieldhouse gymnasium will be open from 8 to 11 tonight and will again open at the same times on the first Friday of the spring semester (Jan. 14). Participants can play basketball, football, Frisbee, dodgeball, volleyball and soccer.


There has been increased interest in using gymnasium facilities this semester, especially outside the hours of the YMCA, said Zach Van Cleave, director of intramurals and recreation. The YMCA closes at 9 p.m. on weekdays.


To address the concern, Van Cleave met with Jason Ramaker, dean of students, Joe Manjone, president, and Michael Scarano, athletic director, and students who participate in athletics, intramurals or activities at the YMCA and devised the plan to offer open gyms.

Many colleges and universities have student recreational centers that are geared for all students to participate in open recreation and exercise at times during and beyond the normal workday hours.

"While Waldorf College doesn’t have a student rec center, the Athletic Department has agreed to let any student/faculty use of their gymnasium for open recreation," Van Cleave said. "We will start by having open gyms on Fridays from 8 to 11p.m. We will monitor the use of the open gyms and decide whether to incorporate more or less hours as the semester goes on."

There will be a sign-in, similar to the Wellness Center, where faculty/students present their identification cards.