You never know what’s in store when you come out to open recreation at the Student Fitness Center (SFC). You could practice a sport you already love, try out something new, or even meet people from across the globe. Court C, the multipurpose court, is used for a variety of activities throughout the week. On designated days and times, this area is set up for specific sports such as badminton, table tennis, volleyball, floor hockey, or indoor soccer. Open recreation is a great time to stop by for a friendly pickup game with others who enjoy the same sports.
Naomi Sorunke and Cameron Wilson ’14 came to the Student Fitness Center for a routine workout one afternoon. They spotted the badminton nets set up on the courts and decided to join the fun. Sorunke is a junior accounting major from Harvey. Wilson, from Chicago, is pursuing his second bachelor’s degree in apparel merchandising after completing an initial degree in physical science. Even with their busy schedules balancing school, friends, and work, both students consistently make time to keep active.
“I’m very athletic, but I was never an athlete,” Wilson said. “I have played many sports and I have tried everything. When I do play sports now, it’s for fun like this.”
Wilson had his first taste of badminton during a class he took on campus last fall, while Sorunke started playing in high school. Sorunke introduced Wilson to open badminton at the SFC after she went a couple of times with her roommate. The novice pair admittedly enjoys open recreation for the chance to play sports in a low-pressure, noncompetitive setting.
“I used to play badminton in high school all the time, so I really like the sport,” Sorunke said. “This is the only place where I know I can play badminton in Normal.”
Jordan Cartwright participates in open recreation in order to stay active and meet new people. Cartwright, an exchange student from Wales, is studying at Illinois State for the year and enjoys coming to open soccer every week.
“Coming from the UK, obviously I have been playing soccer my whole life. I play it mainly to keep in shape,” Cartwright said. “I like working out, but I find it a lot more enjoyable when I’m playing sports. It’s a great way to keep my cardio up and is really fun.”
Cartwright was first introduced to open recreation by his Brazilian roommate on his international floor in the residence halls. The experience has proved to be a way for Cartwright to improve his game by playing with, and meeting, a variety of people on campus.
“I thought I’d give it a try to see what it is all about,” Cartwright said. “Quite a lot of the international students come to play, and it’s like a taste of home while we’re here. From Brazilian to English to Germans, loads of us come to play open soccer.”
So if you’re looking for a way to keep fit with some friendly competition, check out the SFC’s open recreation hours and find something you like to do. You never know whom you’re going to meet.
