More than numbers

158,000, 185,000, 117,000, 160,000, 150,000, 132,434, and 43,000. What do all these numbers have in common? They are square footage measurements of recreation centers of private schools across the country. Which one is SMU’s? I’m sure you guessed it-43,000.Ê

Want more numbers? Try the years of major renovations of recreation centers of schools in Texas: 1999, 1995, 1998, 2002, and 1976. Again, which one belongs to our beloved Dedman Center is not surprising – 1976. Yes, my friends, 1976 was when our rec center was last seriously renovated. Ê

To add insult to injury, our arch rivals from Fort Worth – the horny toads, or something? I don’t know, but I do know we’ll beat them this weekend – have a renovated rec center opening in December 2002 that includes 5 basketball courts, 4 volleyball courts, a renovated natatorium, an outdoor recreation pool and patio, and a climbing wall. This in addition to the 9,000 square feet of fitness space, a games area, and six glass wall racquetball courts. Just for your information, their numbers were 160,000 and 2002. While the purple would make any Mustang gag, their facility is first-class.Ê

As many of us know when current students give tours to perspective Mustangs, they leave the Dedman Center out. A rec center is a crucial part of most colleges’ tours and campuses. But, why is a rec center important other than our current situation being an embarrassment to the University?Ê

According to surveys from Texas A&M, students who used the rec center have some of the highest GPAs and generally attempt the most class hours. At Arizona State, first-year students who use the rec center earn higher first semester GPAs, higher first year cumulative GPAs, and accumulate more hours than their non-rec center using counterparts.

There are more intangible benefits to a quality on-campus rec center. Sports, like music, can be a universal language – a language which can bring together all walks of life. When you set foot on the field, the court, or in the weight room, we are all one and the same. One of our biggest concerns on this campus is diversity. Using the universal language of sports, rec centers can help bridge the gap. Ê

The University’s strategic plan for 1996-2000 noted the Dedman Center’s inadequacies and recommended that “the University must expand and reconfigure the Dedman Center.” Also the Strategic Enrollment Management Committee, a group of people who monitor and advise admissions and recruiting, “has recognized and committed to the importance of having a top quality recreation facility as a means of recruitment and retention of students, faculty, and staff.”Ê

I know this year is the year for a plan to be developed and shared with the campus community for the Dedman Center renovation. I have the strong sense that the administration, as well as the Board of Trustees, are committed to finding a solution to this problem.

I am, and I know my fellow students will meet the challenge. How can you help? You can begin by stopping by the Hughes-Trigg Commons between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. today and filling out a new survey which will give us the opportunity to voice what should be included in a renovated and expanded Dedman Center. Please be prepared to help out in the future. We are so close to being able to put those horny toads to shame not just on the field, but also with a new rec center.