Facilities & Directions

Sturgis Physical Education Center (SPEC)

Sturgis Physical Education Center is a multi-use facility shared by ROTC and the departments of Athletics, Kinesiology and Leisure Studies and Recreational Life. It is home to athletics venues including Bill Vining Arena, the Tiger Volleyball Court and Waggoner Pool and also is utilized for intramural sports, fitness classes and special events. The Recreational Life Climbing and Rental Center is located behind Bill Vining Arena and operated by trained staff. The climbing walls are 20 feet high and vary in difficulty to provide challenges for both the beginner and the advanced climber. Members of the Ouachita community also can rent affordably priced outdoor gear such as tents, sleeping bags, mountain bikes, canoes and more.

SPEC houses offices for athletics coaches and administration, athletic training staff, kinesiology faculty and ROTC officers. Locker rooms for basketball, swimming and volleyball are located on the lower level of the building, with the student athlete weight room on the main level. In addition to classroom and faculty offices, the Department of Kinesiology and Leisure Studies features a state-of-the-art biomechanics lab, computer lab and conference room.

Built in 1982, SPEC is named after Roy and Christine Sturgis, whose charitable and educational trust—operated by benefactor Katie C. Speer—provided need-based scholarships to Ouachita students as well as various educational and physical improvements on campus.