The student fitness center, previously called the House of Payne, underwent renovations this summer to become The Dub.
Named in honor of its donors Greg and Valari Wedel, The Dub now has all new equipment and more cardio machines, as well as improvements to the room itself, such as new flooring and a new front desk within the facility.
“It’s definitely a step up from the last [fitness center],” senior Barrett Packard said. “Everything’s brand new and more updated equipment. Some of their stuff was getting ripped and stuff wasn’t working correctly. It’s nice to have an actual collegiate gym now.”
Each treadmill, bike and elliptical in The Dub now has a personal television screen installed with a personal audio plug. The Dub also includes new lockers, medicine balls, dumbbells, mats and a scale.
“The Dub will now be a golden goose on some incoming students’ radar,” senior Kyle Berges said. “… I think I will really enjoy the new fitness center — The Dub — and the resurfaced pool.”
While most students enjoy the renovations and see it as a much-needed change, the new fitness center has some adverse effects on some of its most frequent visitors: student athletes.
In an effort to limit student traffic in the fitness center, athletic teams and TeamOC fitness groups are limited by the number of members they can have in The Dub.
According to Darci Thompson, director of wellness, no more than four student athletes or TeamOC groups can be in the gym at any given time.
“In order to better serve and meet the needs of all our patrons, we are asking that any group, including athletic teams, TeamOC programs, etc., not come in to the fitness center in groups larger than four,” Darci Thompson said. “This will keep a better flow and will not cause any specific area or equipment to be taken over for long amounts of time.”
Many students, faculty and staff members and their families frequent the gym, as well as a growing number of paying members. Because of this, student athletes can no longer exercise as a team, according to senior Sydney Hill, one of the student athletes affected by this change.
“The donors would rather student athletes not use the facilities so they have put a lot of restrictions on how many athletes can be in The Dub at one time; it makes working out for us much harder,” Hill said.
However, Director of Athletics Curtis Janz said the athletic department understands the need for this policy.
“We understand the prospect of entire teams coming into the facility at once can be overwhelming and potentially impact the experience of community and student patrons who need to access the equipment, as well,” Janz said. “The athletic department and its coaches have committed to honor the policy to limit the potential of a large number of student athletes coming into the facility at one time by not scheduling team workouts in The Dub.”
Despite the challenge presented to athletic teams or fitness groups, Packard said that the renovations to both the gym and the pool could help bring in more students.
“I think it’s definitely a big pull for new students,” Packard said. “I know like last year people would come visit and hear about the gym and its like ‘eh, this place is kind of… ratty.’ I think it’s definitely an upgrade for OC.”
Thompson said that TeamOC is excited for everyone to have the opportunity to use the gym, and is open to any ideas or suggestions for the fitness programs on campus.
“We are looking forward to the opportunity to serve our campus community in new ways and want nothing more than for everyone to be happy with the services they receive in our facilities,” Thompson said. “We are working hard to continue to serve in new and exciting ways and welcome any ideas or support that is offered.”
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