Spoco Makes Big Changes to Equipment

By Abby Newman

This semester, the Sally Blaire Ames Sports Complex is undergoing equipment and set-up changes to its recreational gym. The Sports Complex was initially renovated back in 2015, with its most recent additions made in September of 2026, during the second cycle of add-ons to the gym. 

The latest additions to the Sports Complex include a new turf on the top floor of the gym with a sled, a cable machine, lateral machine, ropes, a kettle ball/weight station, yoga balls, dip station and a blank space wall to throw med balls for speed or agility.

There's also a new chin dip machine, chest belt and rare delt machine, lateral pullover, and quad extension machines.

According to Max Silverman, the assistant director of athletics, recreational sports and varsity programs, one of Stonehill athletics' goals is to renew the recreational gym and ensure that the facility is running smoothly. The machines were added due to feedback from building staff and students to give more options for people using the gym.

“Since I’ve gotten here, my objective is to make the recreational fitness center an open space for people, make it look more appealing and get as many different exercises as possible in a small space that people can do. If you’re interested in just doing a bodybuilding workout, we have that opportunity, but if you’re interested in body, weightlifting, more functional strength, we have those options as well,” said Silverman.

Junior Ellie Adone said, “I did notice the new turf, and I’ve seen a lot of people do abs stuff on it, which is nice because it used to be in the corner before.” 

She said the gym was very crowded before, but with the new machines, there's a lot more space and less wait time for machines. 

Some equipment was removed from the recreational gym due to underutilization, students’ not understanding how to use specific equipment, and because the machines took up too much space.  

Silverman said he frequently does rounds of the facility. He looks for student equipment usage and networked with people using the space about what was working and what was not.

Junior Bo Miller said, “I really like the new turf area, and they added a pull-up bar and more PV balls. I like the edition, but they took out the punching bag, which is unfortunate because I kick box.”

Sports Complex Head Supervisor Jayden Crafts said, “Our new equipment is more up to date and modern, which makes it easier and more accessible to use. The new equipment also provides more options for different exercises allowing for less waiting time on specific machines and allows a better flow in the weight room. I also think currently athletics is doing a great job with campus outreach, and I just want to see that continue and improve.”

According to Silverman, since adding the new machines, there are a lot more people using the gym; students are receptive to these changes. The gym’s organization of cardio machines upstairs and leg machines downstairs provides a better flow for students. 

Over the past two years, Stonehill athletics staff have put in an effort to make the gym space better for the community. They continue to ask for feedback. 

As you enter and exit the gym, there is a facility feedback form on the door with a QR code to fill out if you notice any issues with the gym or suggestions for improvements. 

“We want a healthy campus for students, and we want to keep growing to give that back to the students. If people have feedback feel free to reach out for anything recreational. I’m an open book and I want to hear what people say,” said Silverman.