Page 10 April 1, 2009

By Kate VanGerven Panther Post

This university has quite a bit to offer in the athletics de-

SPORTS

UPEI’s hidden gems

partment. Sure, there are the sports teams who represent us and give us something to watch for free. However, for anyone who wants to stay ac- tive without the commitment

EAD ee RS

REGISTER FOR INTERSESSION AND SUMMER SESSION

SPEND YOUR SUMMER WITH STU

St. Thomas University is accepting registration for Intersession (May-June) and Summer Session (July).

Whether you’re planning on completing your degree requirements or just interested in learning something new, why not do it in a place renowned for its faculty, quality of education and beautiful campus?

- Anthropology « French + Political Science « Criminology + Gerontology + Psychology «English + History + Religious Studies + Environment « Human Rights + Sociology

and Society + Irish Studies «Spanish + Fine Arts « Journalism

Visit stu.ca for course details, registration fees and scholarship availability.

i St. Thomas University

WL CRED BY L FREDERICTON, NEW BRUNSWICK

Re RTs

to practices and a team, there are several options.

The Gym: Open from 6:30 a.m. — 10 p.m. throughout the week, 8 a.m. — 6 p.m. on Saturdays and 12 —8 p.m. on Sundays, the gym provides enough time for all students and members. If you’re a complete gym virgin like I was in September, the fitness centre may fee] a little daunt-

ing. Not the case! My advice -

is to grab a cardio machine (preferably one with a view of the rest of the gym) and run/jog/spin for as long as it takes you to scope out your next move. Another help- ful hint for gym virgins: the weight machines all have in- structions (peripheral vision comes in handy here) and they also display a picture with highlighted muscles

to show you exactly what

you’re working out.

The Pool: It’s huge, there’s a slide, diving boards, and a Tarzan rope. Oodles of fun and all you need is a bath- ing suit! Typically, there’s an open swim offered from 8-10 every night of the week which I feel should be taken full advantage of.

Sauna: This was a recent discovery of mine. Hidden in the depths of the sports cen- tre change room lies a small yet cozy sauna. Who knew? There’s not much else to say about this except that it’s guaranteed to be the hottest place on campus.

Squash and _ Racquet- ball Courts: These courts are available as long as the sports centre is open and all you need to do is sign up for a time. Now, a small warning for any squashers just start-

Sports editor Kate VanGerven begs for mercy on the

PANTHER POST

squash court. Photo courtesy of “Charlotte”

- ing out on the great adven-

ture of ball and racquet: even if you are afraid of the ball, don’t tell your opponent.

I made that mistake in my first squash attempt. My fel- low squasher, for privacy reasons we’ ll call her Char- lotte, took it upon herself to break me of my fear. It be- gan innocently enough. A

few easy lobs in my direc- |

tion made me dance out of the ball’s path, laughing, a little nervously, but laughing all the same.

Then it turned ugly. Char- lotte’s hits became harder and more frequent. Petrified, I shrank down the wall into

some version of the fetal po- |

sition and held the racquet over my face in protection. I can still hear Charlotte preaching over my pleas to stop, “You can’t be afraid of the ball! You must not be afraid of the ball!” When I believed the torture was over, I moved the racquet away from my face with shaking hands.

One final blow from Char- lotte struck me hard on the forehead which only con- firmed my very rational fear of the ball. Thanks Char- lotte.

That being said, don’t be afraid to attempt squash! It’s easy to learn, a ton of fun and a fantastic workout!