Getting a piece of the PISE
Photo by Naomi Kavka.
Almost two-and-a-half years after the opening of the Pacific Institute for Sport Excellence (PISE) at the Interurban campus, students who use the centre are more than satisfied with the facilities.
Just ask Garrett Marcellus, a Camosun Charger volleyball player and student.
“The PISE facility has been awesome. We’ve been given a top-notch workout facility at the campus which has made it a lot easier for me to get workouts in, and the new gyms have definitely been a plus in regards to volleyball,” says Marcellus, who, along with the other Chargers players, uses the facilities for games and practices. “I can’t say enough good stuff about PISE.”
The PISE centre has been a welcome addition to Camosun, as well as to Victoria. Located at 4371 Interurban Road, on the outskirts of Camosun’s Interurban campus, it offers sports teams and individuals a world-class facility to train and become better athletes.
The PISE centre is an 80,000 -square-foot facility and is home to a double gymnasium, sports medicine clinic, and fully lighted, international-sized artificial-turf playing field. The field is used for high-level soccer, field hockey, football, and even by Canada’s national rugby team.
“The facilities are amazing,” says Thomas Brody, rugby fullback for UVic and Team Canada. “I was part of the tryout for the U20 Team Canada Rugby Team, which was held at PISE field, and it was definitely one of the nicest fields I’ve played on. It’s great that Victoria has a world-class fitness facility and field now.”
The PISE centre is also home to state-of-the art, high-performance fitness areas. The facilities are available to Camosun students for an annual cost of $225, or $5 per drop-in.
These fitness areas incorporate brand new cardiovascular and circuit machines, heavy lifting equipment, free weights, and a beautiful view overlooking the playing fields.
Along with the view, being a large and open area allows the gym to have a very relaxed and soothing atmosphere. This is good for students who need to take a break.
Interurban Professional Golf Management student and PISE gym member Riley Kufta likes to take a break from school and go work out.
“The PISE Centre is great because during my long breaks I can simply walk over to the gym and get a quick workout,” says Kufta.
A world-class fitness centre was just what Victoria needed and Camosun students and the community are extremely grateful.
“Before PISE was built I would always just spend my breaks in the computer lab, but now that it’s here, I’ve really been able to use my time better and get exercise,” says Kufta. “It’s definitely been beneficial to me, and I know that it’s been beneficial to others, too.”
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