The $22 million, 155,000-square-foot complex is built around the college’s original 1925 gymnasium and the more recent Glennie Gymnasium.

Named in memory of Elizabeth Huff, whose husband, Walter ’56, provided major funding for the facility, the Huff Athletic Center is located at the heart of campus and is open daily to members of the campus community.

A large addition to the west contains a natatorium with eight-lane competition pool, a steam room and sauna, and a multipurpose fieldhouse with a 200-meter track. The track, which is covered with a durable Mondo surface, was given in memory of Charles H. Niblock ’24. The infield space accommodates jumping and throwing events, as well as practice areas for basketball, volleyball, softball, soccer and baseball.

The original gymnasium has been transformed into a modern fitness complex, complete with the latest cardio/aerobic machines, free weights and a rock climbing wall. The gym’s former performance stage has been converted to an aerobics and dance studio. Just beyond the original building’s four magnificent limestone columns, which were sensitively retained in the renovation, is a convenient snack bar. George and Maxine Trotter, 1947 graduates, provided the naming gift for the facility.

The Glennie Gymnasium, originally dedicated in 1983, has been updated with modern stadium-style seating, a new air-handling system and an updated sound system. It is named in honor of Nancy Glennie Beck ’53 and her husband, Larry.

Between the Trotter Fitness Complex and Glennie Gymnasium is a wellness suite, the gift of 1965 graduates Robert and Judith Hodges Tucker. The suite contains the office of the fitness director, a physician’s examining room and a private conference room.

The southeast portion of the athletic center, known as the Byrnes Educational Wing, houses faculty and coaches’ offices, classrooms, conference rooms and work areas. It is named in honor of trustee David Byrnes ’72 and his wife, Libby, who provided the naming gift.

The lower level of the athletic center, which is accessible by elevator or stairs, contains the entrance to the indoor track and additional entrances to Glennie Gymnasium. A number of newly-constructed locker rooms provide comfortable accommodations for approximately 15 varsity teams, as well as visiting teams. Nearby is the spacious Marshall Training Room, named in memory of longtime team doctor James W. Marshall ’36. It is outfitted with whirlpool baths, training tables and various therapeutic devices.

Monmouth's athletic facilities also include a recently refurbished eight-lane all-weather running track and on campus football and softball fields. The baseball and men's and women's soccer teams enjoy playing at Peacock Memorial Athletic Park, the brand-new state-of-the-art, 16.5 acre facility that opened in the Spring of 2000. All facilities are available for college faculty, staff, and students. The college also employs a full-time athletic trainer and a training intern who assists each of the varsity sports teams.

Off-Campus Programs
The department provides ample opportunities for student teaching in area high schools, internships and independent studies at various off-campus agencies, as well as field experience in area schools.

Career Opportunities
In addition to traditional teaching jobs, new avenues for physical fitness majors are opening in the areas of recreation and corporate fitness. For many years, Monmouth physical education graduates have been highly successful securing teaching and coaching positions in the public and private schools of Illinois and Iowa. A very high percentage of Monmouth College graduates elect to go to graduate school. The department has a large number of recent graduates who have earned their master's degree and beyond.

Graduate School Opportunities
Most department graduates who elect to pursue the graduate degree full time receive assistantships. Recently, two graduates - Mike McNeive and Steve Swanson - both received assistantships at Georgia Southern University. Swanson and Christine Stanton '95 were both NCAA post-graduate scholarship winners.

Physical Education Major (without teacher certification)
Each student majoring in Physical Education but not seeking teacher certification must complete PHED 110; 131; 180; 190; 210; 211; 212; 220; one course chosen from PHED 315 or 423; one course chosen from 316, 317, 318, or 319; 421; 430; and 450.

Teacher Certification
A major field teacher preparation program requires PHED 180; 190; 210; 211; 212; 220; 315; one course chosen from PHED 316, 317, 318, or 319; 325; 421; 423; 425; and 430. Students who complete this program and satisfy additional certification requirements as described in the Education Department section of the catalog qualify for the special K-12 certificate. Those who seek only high school certification should refer to the Education Department section of the catalog on secondary education.

Students with teaching majors in other content areas may select physical education as a second teaching field. Such students must complete PHED 210, 211, 212, 311, 315, 320, 420 (one semester hour), 423, and 430. Students who wish to be certified to teach physical education should refer to the education department section of the catalog.

Health Endorsement
See Department of Education.

BASIC-SKILL COURSES
Each basic-skill course carries one credit, and a maximum of six credits in basic skills may be counted toward the degree. Credit for a particular course will be granted only once.