Like many Marquette students, I squeeze workouts and intramural sports into my weekly schedule. It helps me stay in shape, and – in the midst of hectic weeks – it helps me stay sane. It brings friends together and also helps forge new relationships. However, the current university facilities are lacking, and I believe that more must be done to address the recreational needs of students.

Enter the Rec Center at most times of the day and one will find the facility cramped and crowded. Long lines for the most sought-after equipment are frustrating and can extend the amount of time one must put aside for a full workout. Aerobic machines are normally at a premium, and during peak hours, weight-lifting equipment can be as well. Tennis and basketball courts can also be hard to come by, especially in the afternoons.

Recreational activities provide a needed mental health outlet from the continuous school-study routine. However, an inability to accommodate the demand of students can result in poorer health, as well as a lessened ability to focus or perform well academically.

This goes beyond an issue of fitness and convenience — it is an issue of recruitment. Those choosing to study in Wisconsin find it nearly impossible to exercise outdoors during winter. If Marquette is to remain competitive in attracting the best students, it must properly address the demand for adequate recreational space. Nearly every nationally-recognized school boasts superior workout facilities, no doubt adding to their prestige.

We must set Marquette on this track by adding more space for exercise and recreation. A recent example is the new Kern Center at Milwaukee School of Engineering, which is state-of-the-art and has become a powerful selling point for the school.

While there has been some progress toward alleviating this problem, such as the addition of the "underground" floor, much more must be done.

Long-term capital investments to improve the situation can prove invaluable, and it is my hope that university leaders will continue to listen to and seek student input in addressing this issue that affects a high percentage of Marquette students.

Guenther is a junior in the College of Business Administration.