As the sunset behind MTSU’s Recreation Center, a lull consumed the MTSU softball team as the last teammate was lowered safely to the ground.
The air was cool and crisp on Friday as the team filed out one after the other through the back door of the Recreation Center and onto the moist grass. It is the last surface they’d touch before climbing 55 feet into the air with only a wire and the cries of their teammates to calm their fears.
The team gathered around the tower with looks of fear and excitement on their faces as they slipped into their harnesses and prepared to make the climb toward a better understanding of each other.
Sue Nevar, head coach for the MTSU softball team, says she could see changes in the group after the first challenge and that these courses have not only strengthened the group but made individual players more confident.
“Some of these kids have accomplished something today that they didn’t think they could ever do and that will help us on the field this spring,” Nevar says. “Anytime you do anything that takes them off their field, you see different personality traits come out and I think that is healthy.”
The Alpine Tower II Universal Challenge Course at the Rec Center is designed to give organizations the ability to participate in a variety of challenges.
The tower provides over 32 different climbing options, with challenges for the timid and adventurous alike. The programs intention is to help build teamwork and individual strength.
The softball team started their journey to developing a stronger group in early September, participating in the Rec Center’s Group Development Activities. These activities are designed to get organizations communicating and engaging with each other in creative and unique ways.
The second task was the Low Challenge Course Elements, which are designed to allow the group to experience mental and physical challenges and how to work together as a team to reach their ultimate goal.
“You have to use a lot of communication; it is a mind over matter thing,” says Shelby Barrett, freshman business major and member of the softball team, as she tried to catch her breath. “I feel like I accomplished something by getting to the top.”
Emily Coffman, interim program coordinator for MT Outdoors, says that watching people climb the wall is one of her favorite things about the job.
She says that while the climb is hard, the climbers are excited when they finish.
“It is really getting people out of their comfort zone, getting them nervous, getting them scared and then talking them though it until they get to the top,” Coffman says with a smile.
Three people were allowed to climb at once while the others stood at the bottom scared for their turn, excited about their teammate’s progress and eager to support and strengthen their team as a whole.
Brittney Banania, sophomore education and behavioral science major and member of the softball team, climbed one of the most difficult sides according to Coffman, and Banania says she was thrilled to have succeeded but wasn’t sure she could have made it without her team.
“I feel like the encouragement from my team helped me out so much,” Banania says with a big smile as she unstrapped her harness.
“Half way through I was shaking and I wanted to quit but my team wouldn’t let me and now I’m glad I made it to the top,” she says.
Coffman explained that after college the perpetual fear that ensues is intense. She says type of career building challenge will not only prepare students for their future but will allow them to cope better in high stress situations.
She also said that this challenge builds team and group dynamics.
“These things are going to help because you have to work with people all your life,” Coffman says as a smile crept over her face.
“This challenge is very important in career building because when your trying to find a career you are going to have to get out of your comfort zone,” Coffman says. “You’re going to get that everyday and it helps build those nervous up and then learning how to control them.”
The sun lowered deep into the sky and the girls chants and cheers filled the air as if lifting the climbers to the top all on their own.
“Some of these kids have been saying for months that they are not climbing this tower out of fear alone and some of these guys are on the ropes right now,” Nevar says with a smirk.
Krista Barts, assistant softball coach, said that she thought the challenge course was hard. She says doing it herself and experiencing the actual challenge in it made her that much more proud of the team.
“It is a rush from the top it is like when you’re out of the field, you feel like you’ve accomplished something,” Barts says confidently. “It is difficult so when you make it up then you feel accomplished.”
Team risks splinters, gain confidence
Groups that use the Rec Center’s Alpine Tower to build group skills and create new challenges
Published: Monday, November 16, 2009
Updated: Monday, November 16, 2009 00:11
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