"It's still private enough so it's inviting. Everyone can feel welcome and achieve their fitness goals," says Nicoletti, who came to the college in 1993 and coached women's soccer and tennis for six years. She became senior women's administrator when Kitty Baird retired, and assistant athletic director three years ago.
Although it will be a couple of months before the center opens, memberships are being accepted now. Nicoletti says the memberships will be issued on a first-come, first-serve basis.
"We'll have a waiting list," she says, noting that they already have received their first membership. Information will be available Monday on Centre's Web site, www.centre.edu.
The center also will provide some job opportunities, including a personal trainer position.
"We have part-time positions at the controller desk for memberships and will need exercise instructors from aerobics to Pilates to kick boxing, whatever their specialty is," she says, noting that the positions will be advertised in February.
Two racquetball courts
The first floor of the building will have two glass-enclosed racquetball courts, free weights and Hammer strength machines.
A multi-purpose gym with a rubberized surface will be where basketball and tennis are played. There will be three basketball courts where volleyball also can be played, or it can become two tennis courts.
The second floor of the building will be a cardio deck and atrium. There will be 22 new pieces of cardio equipment, six treadmills, six stationary bikes, eight elliptical trainers and two rowers. About $170,000 is being spent on new equipment.
People working out on the cardio equipment will be treated to a cardio theater, says Brian Chafin, director of athletics and recreation at Centre.
"There will be two banks of six TVs each, so they can watch whatever they want to watch," he says, noting exercisers will receive headsets and can tune in to what they select.
The Hall of Fame Cafe also will be located on this level to serve sandwiches and salads.
Three-lane walking track
A three-lane walking track on the third floor will overlook the multi-purpose gym. It should be popular with the faculty and community members, Nicoletti says.
"I believe it will be used more by the adult population."
Memberships will include access to the swimming pool across the street.
The gym is part of an $22-million renovation and addition to Sutcliffe Hall and the Crounse Academic Center. The renovation of Sutcliffe Hall features 62,700 square feet in new construction and 59,300 square feet in renovated space.
The man for whom the center is named, James Buck, played football for Centre in the 1930s. He now lives in Florida. A training room will be named for his wife.
Nicoletti says the former workout area was not suitable.
"In general, it was just small. It was too small and too crowded."
Rates for public memberships
Rates at the James O. Buck Fitness Center are: individuals, $540 a year or $45 a month; individual plus one, $720 a year or $60 a month; family, $840 a year or $70 a month; seniors, $360 a year or $30 a month; seniors plus one, $420 a year or $35 a month.
Centre graduates or donors at the associate level receive special rates. Child care is not available. Children must be 16 to be members.
Hours of operation will be: Academic year, 5:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and 6 to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 5:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m.. Friday; 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday; and 1 to 8 p.m. Sunday. Summer (June 1 through Aug. 31): 5:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday; 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday; and 1 to 6 p.m. Sunday.
There is no enrollment fee, but a $100 re-enrollment fee will be charged to members who cancel their membership and re-enroll. Memberships must be renewed by the 15th of the month prior to expiration.
To join, contact Nicoletti at (859) 238-5493 or e-mail gina@centre.edu.
