HPER vs. SRSC

The Health, Physical Education and Recreation building and the Student Recreational Sports Center are like apples and oranges; like basketballs and treadmills.

The two buildings – only a half mile apart – are frequented by different crowds. The trends have led each center to be personified on campus.

Both the HPER and the SRSC offer extensive basketball courts, workout facilities and swimming pools. The HPER, built in 1917, is a grandfather to the modern SRSC, constructed in 1995.

There are clear clothing trends at the SRSC. Many people sport brand-name workout gear: Under Armour, Nike and adidas. Some girls wear makeup.

Two employees for Rec Sports at the SRSC, senior Brandon Lucas and senior Kim Walag, described the SRSC as being typically utilized by people new to working out, and also by more underclassmen than at the HPER.

As for the differences between the two, Lucas described the SRSC atmosphere as more social, and HPER as more conservative with older regulars.

Another Rec Sports employee senior Kinsey Gray described the enclosed atmosphere in the basement as a factor that adds to the dungeon feel.

“The regulars here have consistent routines, and there is almost no socializing,” Gray said. As for common workout fashions at the HPER, Gray sees sweatpants and T-shirts.

Freshman Hannah Nichols, an SRSC regular, described the facility as closer and nicer. This observation can be one explanation for the trends at each. SRSC is located just outside of the majority of greek houses and the northwest and central dorm neighborhoods.

The HPER, on the other hand, is in a more centralized location, leading to a varied stream of patronage.

Whatever the reason may be, each facility has clearly developed its own distinct reputation.