Long waits for a StairMaster may be at an end at the Malkin Athletic Center(MAC).

Through a donation by an anonymous alumnus, the MAC has purchased and installed 40 new pieces of cardiovascular equipment, including 14 StairMasters, which MAC officials are hoping will bring an end to the sometimes 45-minute, waits users faced in previous years.

The new equipment at the MAC also includes eight treadmills, two ergs and 16 Lifecycles. The MAC now has more than 50 pieces of cardiovascular equipment.

"Clearly this has been needed," said John E. Wentzell, associate director of athletics. "I'm thrilled. I think the students are going to be thrilled."

Wentzell, who declined to provide the exact amount of the donation, said the contribution was given on the condition that the MAC use it to purchase "exercise equipment."

Wentzell said the money was used to buy cardiovascular equipment because other equipment was less worn.

"The nautilus is old, we know that, but it's functional," he said.

Further changes at the MAC include renovating the basketball floor and, starting today, having an intern teach classes and show people how to use the new equipment.

The new equipment currently spans two separate floors-the basement and the top floor, overlooking the newly-renovated basketball court.

But even though the new equipment is in place, it is not all up and running yet.

The treadmills are not functioning yet because a new electrical system has to be installed to accommodate the power requirement for the machines.

"[We] set it up and obviously we wanted it set up for when the kids get back," Wentzell said.

Looking Ahead

Wentzell said the recent changes at the MAC have acted as something of a catalyst for the athletic center so that it is now looking toward further improvements.

"This gracious donation by this gentleman has started us thinking about other ways to improve the building," Wentzell said.