If you have been keeping up with your new year’s resolution to go to the fitness center this semester, you would have seen new faces, new equipment, and new programs.

Ryan Fetzer is the new interim director of operations for Pacific Recreation and can be found zooming about the fitness center making sure everything is in order. Last year he was the intramural coordinator. Fetzer was asked to take the position at the fitness center last June. “I love working in this environment,” said Fetzer. “The student staff is fun to work with and doing well with our new ‘Team Pacific’ staffing motto.”

Baun Fitness Center has new cardio machines, including new treadmills, ellipticals, and bikes. There are also all-new barbells and rubber freeweights that have replaced older weights made with screws that were potentially dangerous if they became loose.

Dan Shipp, the Assistant director of Student Life has played a major role. “It was with his vision that these changes are taking place,” explained Fetzer. The fitness center will be looking to keep newer, more modern equipment by cycling in new gear every three years.

Another significant change at the fitness center this semester is a group of new classes, called “Pacific Rec Activity Classes,” with professional instructors for a fee. These include different types of yoga and Tai Chi. There are still free classes, now called “Tiger X,” with a variety of choices every day.

Baun is working towards a more social environment. The fitness center is motivated to “create an atmosphere here at Pacific that leads in student enjoyment,” envisions Fetzer. “This is not just your typical gym, it has a little spice to it.” The student staff at the fitness center is aiding in the decision making process as well. “The students are taking ownership in the program,” said Fetzer about student involvement in giving ideas for new programs and new equipment.

Yet another sector of Pacific Recreation is in motion. The Pacific Outdoor Connection (POC) is located on the north side of Baun Fitness Center.

The POC has a new interim Coordinator of Outdoor Recreation, Mr. Matt Henry. Henry was introduced to Pacific by the POC’s old director, Andy Fields. Henry is an avid outdoorsman, and has worked as a mountain guide, rock climbing guide, and white water rafting instructor. “I love this job,” said Henry, “because I get to do trips with students. I am especially excited about our Spring Break Kayaking trip.”

Nick Leyba of the rock climbing club tackles the rock wall inside
Pacificʼs Baun Fitness Center.

The POC also coordinates Pacific’s rock wall inside the fitness center. This semester there will be several theme nights (free) where students can climb in a decorated atmosphere. Jennifer Cavagnaro, student and employee of the rock wall and POC, is looking forward to these events. “It will be super fun, with a super staff, and super climbing,” said Cavagnaro.

The POC is running a number of low cost trips from Coastal Backpacking to Surfing to Skydiving and more. For more information visit the POC or call (209) 946-7607. If you would like more information about the fitness center in general, please call (209) 946-2811.

Comments (1)

	1. 11:45AM 02-01-2007
	Personally, I would like to see the money used to make the gym "look new" go to something other than flat screen TV's and replacing perfectly fine equipment. Fix the main gym or subsidize POC trips before spending money on unnecessary purchases. Guest

Richmond

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