Squashed by the Sumers Center
Washington University is a school constantly under construction. Among the current projects, there is the new dorm on the South 40 that is replacing the old Rubelmann Hall, a massive undertaking that has been developing before our eyes. Future architectural plans for the campus include the renovation of Olin Library that will continue through the summer of 2017; Wash U’s website purports that this renovation will result in a “center for 21st century scholarship.” Aside from this resulting in the unfortunate temporary loss of Whispers next year, the planned changes to Ruby, Olin, and other buildings seem enthusiastic and forward-thinking.
One of the seemingly never-ending locations of construction on campus is the Athletic Complex, known as the “AC.” Construction of the AC began the summer before I arrived at Wash U, so I’ve never seen the Athletic Complex without boarded-up windows, the infamous crane, and the constant stream of workmen going to and fro in neon hardhats. In fact, I’ve gotten so used to the sight that I almost forgot that the construction was scheduled to reach completion ever—much less soon. It was with great surprise that I realized that the soon-to-be Gary M. Sumers Recreation Center is scheduled for completion this August!
Knowing the jealousy that arises from seeing my friends’ schools’ shiny new gyms with never-ending rows of ellipticals and treadmills and waxed basketball floors, I am very excited for our new Rec Center. Sumers himself communicated similar sentiments, stating that the enhancements to the AC are “muchneeded” and will “create a facility equal to or exceeding the quality of those of our peer institutions in NCAA Division III.”
Some of the details planned for this new Rec Center make me even more excited: a suspended jogging track, multipurpose rooms, a spinning studio, more room for intramural and team sport practices, and a rock climbing wall. Yes, that’s right—and I won’t believe it until I see it either—a rock climbing wall!
These changes represent a great move forward for Wash U athletics. A newer and betterequipped Athletic Complex is not only a way to attract student athletes, but it will also increase the quality of life for all Wash U students, and hopefully encourage students to participate in athletic activity. (After all, who doesn’t want to rock climb?)
However, this new facility has not covered all the bases. Among the Athletic Complex areas that will not be renovated in these changes are the squash courts.
These courts are not only used by both the men’s and women’s squash teams, but they are also frequently used by recreational players ranging from other students to members of the local community. As a member of the women’s squash team, a club team that is competitive, young, and growing, it’s hard to ignore the disappointment that comes with the knowledge that our team will not be getting new or renovated squash courts next year.
There are currently four squash courts in the AC, all of which were converted from racquetball courts. Only two currently are available for playing squash—of the other two, one is reserved for the majority of the year as a place for the varsity football team to have meetings and watch videos to improve their gameplay. Another is used simply for storage. This restricts the already-limited space available both for club team members and for recreational players, resulting in people being turned away from playing when both courts are taken. Another issue with the current courts is that none are regulation size. For the Wash U squash teams, this means playing on courts that are different dimensions at home and away at tournaments. Because of the clear inadequacies of the current courts, the lack of new squash courts in the Sumers Center, coupled with rumors of turned-down donations to improve them, has resulted in the squash team feeling unrecognized and forgotten.
Wash U certainly deserves commendation for continually updating and re-updating school buildings to keep campus current, modern, and competitive, and to contribute to a higher quality of life for Wash U students. And the creation of the new Sumers Recreation Center is certainly an exciting development for the campus and all members of the Wash U community. However, though there are many positives to this new, updated building, it is a reminder that some parts of campus are remaining left behind. The old, inadequate squash courts stand as a testament to this.