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Sure to Make You Sweat

Ohio Wesleyan Opens New Simpson Querrey Fitness Center, Renovated Edwards Gymnasium

Before you ever step on the treadmill, Ohio Wesleyan University’s new Simpson Querrey Fitness Center is sure to get your heart pounding.

The fitness center looks sleek and inviting, and offers state-of-the-art cardiovascular and conditioning equipment to help keep Bishops in battling shape.

“It’s our own little LA Fitness,” says an enthusiastic Courtney Austin ’16, a microbiology major, student employee of the center, and OWU cross-country runner.

“But it’s not just for varsity athletes,” Austin adds. “There are memberships available for community members and discounts for alumni, and, of course, all OWU students get in free.”

Gabi Coty ’18, an early childhood education major, says the donor-funded center is a welcome addition to campus. “There are so many options now,” she says, “and the equipment is top-notch.”

The Simpson Querrey Fitness Center and newly renovated Edwards Gymnasium look elegant, yet intense, with their black and red color scheme and classic architectural touches.

Mark Williams, a part-time professor who teaches coaching and leadership for the Department of Health and Human Kinetics, says he appreciates the care put into the revitalization of the two buildings. (The fitness center was constructed in the former Pfeiffer Natatorium building.)

“I like how they reconfigured the interior, a nice blend of modern elements with traditional elements,” Williams says, “and I especially like how they preserved the high wooden beams in the Edwards Gym.”

Tyler Mott ’04, OWU’s baseball coach of more than eight years, says the combined site is a campus showpiece.

“I have never seen it look so good,” Mott says. It’s a wonderful place, easily accessible to students. I am proud to showcase the fitness center to recruits.”

Sarah Bechtel ’14, an assistant cross-country and track coach, says she anticipates a large number of students using the fitness center. “This isn’t just for varsity athletes; in fact, we hope the general student body will use it more,” she says.

As a graduate of the Health and Human Kinetics Department (now housed inside the fitness center), Bechtel says students will benefit from the modern facilities. “I’m jealous of the facility that current and future HHK students get to learn in!”

The renovated spaces also contain the Jannuzi Dance Studio and Morrill Family Strength & Conditioning Room.

Richard Gordin, a former OWU athletics director and emeritus professor, has been involved with the athletics and physical education (now HHK) departments for more than 50 years.

“I have seen a lot happen with this facility,” Gordin says, “and I think this renovation will benefit OWU greatly.

“In the liberal arts way of thinking, this is how we do education here: we’re trying to help with the total education of a student,” Gordin says, which means helping students to grow mentally, emotionally, and physically.

Ohio Wesleyan will dedicate the new Simpson Querrey Fitness Center, rededicate Edwards Gymnasium, and thank all of the donors involved at a public ribbon-cutting ceremony at 4:30 p.m. Oct. 1. Lead donors Louis A. Simpson ’58 and his wife, Kimberly K. Querrey, will speak at the event.

OWU’s Simpson Querrey Fitness Center is open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday; and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday. For more information on memberships, visit passes, and facilities, visit www.battlingbishops.com and click the “Camps/Recreation” link.