Students Work Out with New Weights
Sarah Lawler
On March 27, there was a new addition to MarianUs physical
education program. A new weight system was moved into the weight room and
the outdated system was moved out. RWe definitely needed new weights.
The new ones are up to date. We are using them to build our strength and
endurance,S said Mary Lenz, sophomore. Lenz is a member of the track team
and works out once a week with the new weights.
Ms. Holly Dugdale and Ms. Ronda Motykowski, gym teachers and Mr.
Jim Miller, Athletic Director made the decision that a new weight system
was needed. RThe athletes werenUt excited about using the equipment, so
we needed to update and motivate,S said Ms. Dugdale.
The weights were donated by an anonymous donor and include a leg
press, leg extension, leg curl, chest press, shoulder press, lateral pull
down bar, cross cable set up with interchanging handles, chin up bar, and
reverse sit - up set up. Each tower in the weight room has four areas of
weights. The total cost of the weights is approximately $25,000.
Many athletes have started using the new weights as part of their
practice routine. RI like the new weights, they work really well. The
weight room is not very crowded so I donUt have to wait to use any
equipment,S said Anne Willrett, freshman. Willrett plays soccer and uses
the weights twice a week.
Gym classes are also using the weights during the day. RWe
decided to offer a new class and because of this, we needed to update to
the 20th century,S said Ms. Motykowski.
Despite the excitement about the new weights, some students are
unhappy about the unavailability of the weights. Courtney Engh, senior,
said, RThe weight room is locked all day long and after school sports
teams are using it. Supposedly the weights are for the benefit of the
whole school but only a limited number of people get to use them. They
should post times the weight room is not in use and IUm sure students
would use it."
According to Ms. Motykowski, a supervisor must be in the room for
students to use the weights. RThe weight room is open for anyone but they
need to be on a program and under supervision,S said Ms. Motykowski. If a
student wants to use the equipment and is not in the weight training class
or on a Marian sanctioned team, they need to see Ms. Dugdale or Ms.
Motykowski and discuss options.