New Blue Devil Fitness Center opens in Dods Hall
A student uses the Climbing Wall in the new Fitness Center, the area once occupied by the Dods Hall Swimming Pool.
With a ceremonial cutting of a string of exercise bands, SUNY Fredonia students, university officials and guests opened the new Blue Devil Fitness Center in February, punctuating a long-awaiting enhancement that has already proven to be among the most welcomed and successful campus additions in years.
The 9,000-square-foot facility is housed in the former Dods Hall swimming pool space – but you’d ever know it.
The new space is virtually unrecognizable, highlighted by an entire wall’s worth of natural light stemming from the floor-to-ceiling windows which allow users to gaze out at Mason Hall. It also features a two-sided rock climbing wall with auto-belay, as well as 107 pieces of new equipment, including treadmills, cross trainers, elliptical machines, adaptive motion trainers, recumbent bikes, upright bikes, selecterized weight machines, an upper body ergometer, adjustable benches, abdominal benches, heavy duty power racks with platforms, and over 6,500 pounds of free weights.
There are also many medicine balls, exercise balls, resistance bands and work-out mats.
President Virginia Horvath told the large crowd, “We are stronger if we are fit in every way.” Vice President for Student Affairs David Herman recognized and thanked many who were involved in planning and constructing the facility, particularly the students, who approved the use of student funds to operate the facility.
Varsity student-athletes and student leaders, including Madison Brown of the Student Athlete Advisory Committee and Student Association President Erin Dorozynski, took part in the ceremony, alongside JCJ Architecture and Department of Athletics and Recreation staff. Ms. Dorozynski said she had already heard “countless expressions of gratitude” from students for the new fitness center, noting that no matter the initiative at SUNY Fredonia, “students are always a huge part of the conversation.” Athletics Director
Greg Prechtl expressed his pleasure with the final design and functionality of the center, and with the selection of its new director, Jason Bishoff, a member of the Class of 2008. “In addition to exceptional credentials and experience, Jason has a management style that will fit very nicely on this campus,” Prechtl said. “I expect he will provide the kind of outstanding leadership that our students have come to expect and deserve.” Bishoff said he expects the center to “serve as a hub for healthy socializing and campus fun.” “From my perspective, this facility is truly the ‘missing piece’ on an extremely well-planned campus,” he said. “I’m thrilled to see the energy and excitement that the new fitness center has brought to the student body.”
“The design and equipment selection were tailored to fit the needs and desires of all students, ranging from the occasional user to club and varsity sport student-athletes,” added Assistant Director of Athletics Megan Valentine. “With research linking physical activity to increased academic performance, the center can only help us in achieving this desirable end. I’m thrilled that we have the opportunity to offer this enhanced experience to our students.”
