Wednesday, March 25, 2009

VCU Club Baseball Starts 09 Undefeated


In just its fourth year, the Club Baseball team of VCU has reached many milestones in just a short time. It is, for the third year, a member of the National Club Baseball Association.

Last year, the team won their conference and came in fourth place at the NCBA World Series.

In a three game series including a double-header on Saturday, March 21 and a game on March 22, VCU Club Baseball came out the victor in a sweep of the Richmond Spiders.

Games are played at Clark Springs Elementary School off of Harrison Street across from the expressway. Games are free and open to everyone. Those in attendance at games include family members of players, players’ girlfriends, and friends of the club.

So far this season, the Rams are 5-0 after playing William and Mary and Richmond.

Club baseball team members vary in experience and there is no specific requirement for those looking to join.

“High school varsity experience is a plus, but there have been successful players that haven’t played since middle school,” says President, Tim Grandy.

If you are interested in joining contact Tim Grandy a grandytl@vcu.edu. For more information on club baseball visit their website at https://secureapp.netclubmgr.com/ICS/CM/V2/Student/Club.aspx?uid=vcuniv&ClubId=5614

Photos by Bobby Tiamson

Wednesday, March 4, 2009

RecPass Comes to Siegel Center


Entrance into Rec Sports at the Siegel Center will soon be quicker than ever. Rather than having to wait in line to have your card swiped, users will now be able to go through the turnstiles by simply waving their VCUCard at the card reader and placing their right index finger on the finger recognition reader. By adding RecPass, Rec Sports says it will be able to better understand facility usage patterns. This will allow Rec Sports to plan for staffing during busy times, enhance programming, and provide better customer service.

You may enroll in RecPass now! Stop by the service desk and let the attendant know that you want to register. Your VCUCard will be swiped and you will also place your finger on the reader so that your print will be in the Rec Sports member records.

This new system will add security to the Recreational Sports facilities by confirming that the actual cardholder is the one entering the building.

If you choose to not register for RecPass, you can still swipe your VCUCard at the service desk. You will also have to swipe your card when you leave. However, please note that the service desk staff will be giving priority service to individuals with questions, rentals, memberships, and other detailed business, so you may have to wait to gain access to the facility.

Progress on Cary Street


Next time you step into the new Monroe Park Campus Recreation Complex the only thing recognizable will be the brick exterior.

When the complex (formerly known as the Cary Street Gym) opens in the spring of 2010, it will open to serve students in new ways, including a rock climbing wall, multi-activity center or MAC and an Aquatic Center.

The rock climbing wall will be located in the center of the 18,000 square foot fitness center. The L-shaped wall will be fully staffed to keep students safe and to ensure proper usage. However, when staff is not available for the wall, students will be able to take advantage of a rock climbing boulder located near the wall for a unique experience.

The Fitness Center will feature all new exercise equipment, including a variety of circuits, free weight area, and a mezzanine with cardio equipment. A Fitness Resource Bar will be centrally located to provide members with a variety of fitness and nutrition information.

The Multi-Activity Center, or MAC will provide an indoor playing field for floor hockey, soccer, lacrosse, rugby and other sports. What makes this space different than a regular gym floor will be the inclusion of nets, a turf floor and penalty boxes.

Also new to the Monroe Park Campus will be the multi-purpose Aquatic Center. More than just a pool, this water complex will host various activities. A multi-person spa, vortex pool, leisure pool, and an activity pool will all share one roof. The activity pool will host scheduled water sports (basketball and volleyball) as well as lap swimming. Swimmers and non-swimmers alike will be able to enjoy many aquatic activities including Dive in Movies.

Of course all of this will come with state of the art features. The new complex will have self check-in available, all digital displays and plenty of natural light.

With the completion of the new roof and the pouring of the cement floor and aquatic facilities, the construction is progressing quickly. For updates on the construction progress please visit http://www.students.vcu.edu/construction/