TSTC Student Center gymnasium extends operating hours

(SWEETWATER, Texas) – Texas State Technical College’s Student Center gymnasium has extended its operating hours with the recent hire of Ethan Wilson as resident life coordinator and student leadership coach.

Joni Coons, TSTC’s leadership coach for residence life and engagement, said Wilson will oversee the extended hours for students and the community. The center will be open weekly from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. from Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday, and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday.

The new times include the extended operating hours for Monday through Thursday  and being open on Saturday. The gymnasium is closed on Sunday and holidays, including Dec. 19 through Jan. 2.

“We are excited to see our former members coming back with our extended hours,” Coons said. “The students are also excited that we are open later and have more activities planned for them.”

Those activities include pool and dart tournaments, basketball games and competitions, and dodgeball. Wilson has been planning events for students to help them relax after class.

“I have seen more students come in during the later hours just to have fun,” he said.

Wilson has also seen more Sweetwater residents take advantage of the equipment available in the weight room.

“I have seen more community members coming out to take advantage of our equipment, including the walking track,” he said.

Coons said the track provides residents with a safe alternative to walking outside. Eleven laps of the track equal one mile, she said.

“Walking inside will get you away from walking at night in the dark and away from animals that you may not know,” she said. “It is, overall, a safer environment for our community.”

With the extended hours, Coons said memberships are available for residents. The annual membership is $180 and includes use of the basketball gym, cardiovascular equipment, free weights and walking track.

“We also provide members with access to our full locker room and shower facilities,” she said.

Wilson hopes the Sweetwater community takes advantage of what is available at TSTC.

“This is a great opportunity for our community to be involved in the college and meet our students,” he said.

For more information on membership benefits or to become a member, call 325-236-8249.

For more information about TSTC, visit tstc.edu.