The new Zierk Athletic Center has brought countless upgrades: a second basketball gym, new locker rooms, team rooms, a pool, and modern offices. But one feature has sparked a little controversy: its location.
For a lot of students, the new building is exactly what everyone has been waiting for since a tornado took down Hick’s gym in 2019. The extra gym space means teams aren’t fighting for practice times and space anymore, and the locker rooms and team rooms feel like a major step up from what athletes were used to. Still, even with all the excitement, people keep bringing up the same thing: it’s too far away.
The athletic center sits on the northeast edge of campus, off to the side from the academic buildings. For most, this is not a big problem.
“The walk is a little far,” sophomore basketball player Jake Cuban said. “In my mind, the facilities just so greatly outweigh the minor inconvenience of having to walk a little farther than you would like to some days.”
The coaches who use the facility mostly feel the same way. Because P.E. happens during the school day, the distance can present itself more clearly because students and coaches have to go from academic buildings to the athletic center very quickly. Similar to the students, coaches believe the benefits greatly outweigh any inconveniences.
“It’s a primary training facility right outside the door to go on the football field,” varsity baseball coach Dennis Kelly said. “If we want to long toss, or take grounders outside, that spot on the campus is ideal.”
For others, the location takes some getting used to. The walk from the main school building can feel long when you’re rushing from class to practice.
“It’s not a huge deal, but if last-period class runs long, you kind of have to speed-walk to get to practice on time,” a middle school basketball player said.
Almost everyone still agrees the benefits outweigh the minor hassle. The extra space has already opened up more free gyms, made scheduling easier, and given teams more room to meet and get ready. The facility’s spot on campus also helps separate the academic and athletic parts of students’ lives, which allows players to get in the right mindset depending on where they are on campus.
As the year goes on, the walk is just another part of the day.