The Anderson Athletic and Recreation Complex opened its doors a little more than a year ago, and some students are pleased with how it has turned out.

Junior Eyo Ekpo believes the AARC is the best athletic facility in Minnesota for Division III sports.

“It has surpassed my expectations,” he said. “Everytime I show people the athletic center for the first time, whether it be friends or family, they always come through the doors saying, ‘Wow, I can’t believe you guys have this.’”

The AARC opened in August 2010 showcasing its 180,000 square foot building with glass corridors, wide skylights and spacious atriums. The facility includes an aquatic center, cardio room, weight room, field house, locker rooms and a health and human performance testing center.

Athletic Director Steve Fritz also believes the AARC has exceeded expectations since its opening.

“I don’t think there is any question in our feeling that this has been a tremendous update for the campus. Everything we had hoped for this facility has certainly come true,” Fritz said. “It is terrific to be able to offer all new equipment and venues. The field house, pool, arena and support areas are just unbelievable.”

Fritz said the AARC averages about 30,000 users every month during the school year.

“I think the thing that stands out to me most is that the usage has been very impressive,” Fritz said. “We are always extremely busy, and that is exactly what we wanted.”

AARC student manager Haley Zajac thinks that the AARC has created more on-campus jobs for students.

“Not only is it awesome to have this place as an option to work out, but it’s also great to have a job here on campus,” she said. “We have a lot of student employees here, so I think it has opened a lot of job opportunities for students here on campus.”

The complex has also offered seven new fitness classes since its opening. Class options include spinning, yoga, zumba and other strength building classes. Fritz said the facility is looking into creating session packages in which they can offer a variety of classes for a set price.

Junior Chelsea Greene has enjoyed the classes but thinks that certain aspects of the classes can still be improved.

“I took the boot camp course last year, and I thought that it was a really good workout,” Greene said. “I just wish there were more class time options available. With having a job it is hard to get to specific class times, if it doesn’t work with your schedule.”

There will be a dedication ceremony for the AARC’s basketball court on Feb. 1 in honor of Steve Fritz and his career as the St. Thomas men’s basketball coach. The ceremony will be held at 7:30 p.m. before the men’s basketball game against St. John’s.

“It’s a really nice honor, and it’s very humbling to know that someone has made a donation for this dedication to happen,” Fritz said.

Anna Tu can be reached at tu978399@stthomas.edu