The Mac Weekly

Issue date: 4/4/08 Section: Sports

Media Credit: Aaron Brown Tackling the final stages of construction. Crews work diligently to complete the indoor track arena, the MARC's largest open space. In the future, Macalester will hold indoor conference track/field championships.

As a consolation prize for graduating a couple months before the opening of the Macalester Athletic and Recreation Center, I toured the massive project currently under heavy construction. Perhaps being a member of The Mac Weekly sports staff provided a more substantial justification. Regardless of the reason, I cannot help but feel extremely grateful for having the chance to experience what will become one of our campus's most dominant and impressive developments.

Upon entering the site, I had already created a mental picture of what awaited me. While there still are many details to be completed and added, the site is beginning to represent Macalester's unique character. I was confidently surprised to see that an orange M had been painted into the rafters hanging from the basketball arena ceiling. Furthermore, the pool was being filled with water as we walked through the immense entrance corridor that connects Shaw Field to Snelling Ave. Upon first impression, this resounding passageway, which links all of the competitive arenas together, is the most impressive feature of the new building.

Moreover, I anticipated the emotions that many will experience from viewing the facility I will never enjoy as a student.

The tour confirmed and intensified the impressions that I have already established. I feel both envy and excitement about the revelation of the MARC. The facility in its later stages of construction is stunning and inspiring. So much so, that I can't help but wish deeply that I had taken a year off, or had been conceived a year or two later by my parents. The class of 2008 should lament the timing of the MARC's completion, but in a constructive, commemorating,and reflective way.

With construction plans on schedule and the necessary funds all accounted for, we have less than four months to wait for the grand opening of the new athletic facility. Now, I feel that reflection from the perspective of a graduating senior may shed light on to the transition our campus will soon begin to experience. Our administration has reinvested in the athletic department in a very large way, which will require the student body, and particularly student athletes to recognize what this commitment will mean.

Continued...

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