Over the past year, Westminster College has enhanced its program by adding a rock-climbing wall and offering more free aerobics classes to students. In early 2006, the college will open a new Health, Wellness and Athletics center.

Alesha Kientzler, director of health and fitness for Westminster, believes that the growing importance of recreational programs on campus is linked to the research that surrounds us. "Much data suggests strong positive correlation between being physically active, and success in life and academics," she said.

According to Kientzler, Westminster sees the importance of providing students with the opportunity to improve their overall well-being. She feels the forthcoming recreation center will be a tremendous addition to the campus.

Currently Utah State University is also upgrading its Health Physical Education and Recreation building to provide more activity space for students. Kevin Kobe, director of campus recreation, said the HPER is one of the "most used buildings on campus."

The plans for the HPER are still in the works, but could involve anything from remodeling to building an entirely new facility. However, the HPER is primarily an educational building, and hours are limited to students because they are always at the whim of class schedules.

This year, the student body is pushing for something they can call its own. "The ASUSU has made the move toward getting a campus recreation center their No. 1 priority," said Kobe.

Campus recreation centers are expensive, timely projects. Once approved, the University of Utah's center will take three years to complete. In the meantime, campus recreation has expanded the field house by adding 35 cardiovascular machines, a circuit weight area, a new student lounge and four computers with Internet access.

Better recreation centers are proving to be high on student demands, and possibly even necessary for Utah schools to stay in the competition. According to Bohlig, student use has gone up significantly since the expansion of the U. field house. The first week of classes, they experienced a 45 percent increase.

"That tells me they want this recreation center," said Bohlig. "Students would love to have this building."