Linda Freking-Bouma Wellness Center
The Linda Freking (’79) - Bouma Wellness Center has been one of the most exciting events in the history of Gehlen Catholic School!
The Wellness Center was created in response to the increasing number of 7th – 12th grade athletes. The Wellness Center provides every athlete, both boys & girls in both junior high and high school, the space, equipment, and time to work out safely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the new Linda Freking-Bouma Wellness Center located? It is attached to the east side of the back gym.
How many students does the wellness center serve at one time? The 90’ x 47’ Linda Freking-Bouma Wellness Center accommodates 40 students. The old weight room could only handle only 16 athletes at a time.
Who is receiving the greatest benefit from the new wellness center? All of the students! The male athletes, who are avid participants in the strength and conditioning program, have more equipment. Our female athletes have greater access due to the elimination of the time & size constraints of the current facility.
Are all Gehlen Catholic 7-12 grade students able to use the new wellness center? Yes! Whether in physical education class or after school, all 7th-12thgrade students are using new wellness center. 39% of Gehlen Catholic’s TK-6th grade students were overweight or obese, during the 2008-2009 school year. The new wellness center is a key tool in addressing this challenge.
What types of equipment does the new wellness center have? The new wellness center has a dumbbell workout area, three bench presses, three squat racks, a multipurpose rack, four 8’ x 6’ platforms, two bikes, two ellipticals, three treadmills, plus room for plyometrics, box jumps, jammer, shoulder press, incline press, leg curl and leg extension. Individuals utilizing the Wellness Center can also watch the televisions located along the east walls.
What have other successful athletic programs done? Gehlen Catholic implemented a model which has worked successfully for Sioux City East High, LeMars Community, MOC-Floyd Valley, and Lawton-Bronson.
What added benefits will the wellness center provide? The Wellness Center is providing the St. Joseph & Gehlen Catholic family & our guests better handicapped accessibility to the school & both gyms.
Who can purchase memberships to the wellness center? Alumni, parents, staff & friends can purchase a membership. Individual memberships for a year are $100. A family membership for a year is $200. Memberships are available for purchase in the Business Office by contacting Mrs. Mindy Scheitler at[email protected] or Mrs. Jackie Sitzmann at [email protected] or by calling 712-546-4181 x239 or x250.
How are gifts be recognized? A donor wall was created by Drico Products, International (Joan and Mike ('68) Driscoll). It recognizes all cash & in-kind gifts at the “Booster” level and above.
How was the new wellness center funded? The Wellness Center was made possible thanks to the Linda-Freking Bouma family, the Community Foundation of Greater Plymouth County, alumni & friends of Gehlen Catholic School. In addition, the restroom and concession was made possible thanks to the Hotel/Motel Sales Tax Advisory Council.
What do students think? Stephanie Rohe ('12), said “The Linda Freking-Bouma Wellness Center is a good way to improve our athletics and enhance everyone’s interest in physical fitness. It has provided more kids a chance to get in the wellness center and make them stronger. It is more comfortable, as more people can work out together at the same time. For example, in softball, we were able work out as one large group instead of splitting the team into two smaller groups.” Christopher Eral ('11) stated, “The new wellness center allows athletes to get a better, more explosive work out due to the increased amount of equipment. Athletes do not have to wait to use equipment. The new wellness center provides athletes more room to lift and exercise, making it safer.”
What if I/we have questions? Please contact High School Athletic Director, Coach Tony Gunter, at tgunter@gehlencatholic.org or at 712-546-4181x224.
A special thanks to the Linda Freking-Bouma Health & Wellness Committee: Bob Livermore (’84), Jim Sitzmann Jr. (’79), Rick Kneip (’82), Bruce Kellen (’84), Ryan Wiltgen (’89), Jeremy Sitzmann (’94), and Tony Gunter.
