The Omnibus

Issue date: 5/6/04 Section: News

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Southwest Baptist University's Student Government Association is in the process of implementing another improvement on the SBU campus by raising funds to install lights at the sand volleyball court located next to Landen Hall.  

Media Credit: Ben Cassil SBU´s sophomore and junior classes and Landen Hall have donated money to fund the installation of lights around the sand volleyball court.

Currently, when SBU students attempt to play on the court past sunset, they face a number of difficulties. According to SGA leaders, a lighting system would be a benefit to the recreational life of SBU.

"Once it's dark, students really can't play," SGA Student Affairs Chair Tim Scego said.

Scego explained that headlights from passing cars create problems for teams on at least one side of the net. The darkness can also be a barrier to safe and effective play.

Solving this problem goes beyond posting a light fixture on a surrounding building, though. Because of the number of trees in the area, lighting must be planned carefully. The light must provide an overhead luminance, as well, so individuals on one side of the court are not hindered by looking into an especially bright light from the other side.

"The lights would look similar to the ones in the (Gott Education Center) parking lot but maybe not so bright," Scego said. "That way, it won't shine into one or the other's faces."

The idea of lighting the court is not unique to this semester or even school year.

"This has been a process for at least a couple years," Scego said. "The problem has been getting the money. The budget has received cuts and there have been other things on campus to improve that have taken precedence over this, but they have been taken care of. Now we are able to focus more on this and have a more developed plan."

Scego is working with SGA Vice President Ryan Brown and Landen Resident Director Chris Keller to set this plan into motion.

"We are in the process of getting the money," Scego said. "The estimated cost right now is $1,200 for the light pole and everything. We have $400 right now. The rest we'll try to get through tournaments and other fundraisers."

Of the $400 raised so far, $100 was donated from the Landen Hall funds through Keller. SBU's sophomore and junior classes donated the remainder from their individual accounts.

Fundraising efforts include an upcoming Three-on-Three Volleyball Tournament which will be held at the court Saturday, May 8. Registration will begin at 8:30 a.m. with tournament play starting at 9 a.m. Each team entering will pay a $15 entrance fee that will go toward the project. Tournaments are also planned for the summer when camps are being held on-campus, and during the fall 2004 semester.

SGA members hope to include both the Bolivar and SBU community in this fundraising process and believe the addition to the premises will be an asset for students to enjoy on a regular basis.

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