MCCC’s fitness center, named in honor of long time faculty member Professor Robert Pugh. PHOTO | JASON NORTON
Throughout each year MCCC rents athletic space to outside groups. While this has always been financially beneficial for the college, it was particularly helpful during the COVID lockdown when the campus was empty and student enrollment was down which strained the college budget.
Athletic Director John Simone says, “Typically, the facility use revenue is about $400,000 plus per year,” but adds that “In comparison to the [college’s overall] $50 million dollar budget it is a small addition.”
While in proportion to the college overall operating budget rental revenue may be small, it can indirectly benefit students by helping reduce the need for tuition increases.
Erin Cahill-Wetzel, MCCC Coordinator of the Fitness Center and Swimming Pool says “Athletic rentals including the turf field and pool last year were two areas on campus that were able to bring in a great deal of money at a time the college was in need of funds due to the pandemic so I believe it helped significantly.”
In terms of where the money goes exactly Simone explains that “As a non-profit, any income for facility use goes back in to maintain the facility, such as lights, purchase of chlorine, field repairs, field lining and some new equipment.” He added “This does take pressure off the general college operating budget so that money saved can assist the college and help students.”
Simone says that rental customers consist of “Mostly local club and youth organizations who don’t have access to any facilities,” stressing that student athletics take priority in facility usage.
Men’s lacrosse Coach Robert Siris says, “As for the field rentals, we get priority with our practices and games and never have a [conflict] with field rentals.”
The Fitness Center is the only campus facility that is not rented out to outside interests. It remains available only to students and the college’s sports teams. Although students can use the Fitness Center for free, the majority of the college’s almost 7,000 students do not do so.
“It is very beneficial that we’ve been able to host many club practices and lacrosse tournaments.” Coach Siris says adding, “It exposes many young people, as well as their families, to our beautiful campus.”
