New dress code in Sherman facility

LIATHANO RAMIREZ
GRAPHIC DESIGNER

JORDAN FOX
COPY EDITOR

4/1/2024

Rumor of a new rule regarding apparel was confirmed by the athletic department on March 26. This new rule states that “all skin from the neck down must be covered,” including fingers, wrists and ankles. Several members of the Alma College track team, including myself, have mixed feelings about this recent mandate. 

“I feel like it’s bizarre, you know? I can’t just unzip my skin, hang it up on a hanger and just leave it to the side; it’s a part of me. [The rule] is definitely interesting, to say the least,” said Anthony Spears (‘24), a member of both the football and track teams at Alma.

“I’m going [to the gym] for a reason: I’m going to work out. I feel like I should be able to show off my gains because when you look good it feels good to be able to show it off and also being able to see yourself with a pump in the mirror,” said Spears who dabbles in bodybuilding on the side. 

“[I prefer to wear] shorts and a t-shirt (your basic stuff) [to work out in], along with your occasional crop top when it’s big ab day because you have to see the abs,” said Spears. He, along with many other athletes, is concerned about how this rule will impact his experience while working out in the Sheman. 

However, not everyone is opposed to the rule and some are actually even elated about the recent change. Cross Country and Track athlete, Kaitie Walker (‘26) is one example.

“I love it. It’s everything I could hope and dream for. People show way too much skin, and it needs to all be covered. I’m so thankful that people are realizing this so now I can work out peacefully,” said Walker. 

“I think people should wear full winter coats [and] long pants—perhaps snow pants, boots and gloves. First, you won’t be cold which is very important so you don’t get hurt, but more importantly, I don’t have to see anyone’s skin,” said Walker. 

“I think [people] are childish for thinking this is a bad rule. You should want this rule because it benefits everyone, especially me. Showing skin is so harmful to the workout experience and you will be much happier in an outfit that doesn’t show any skin,” said Walker in response to those who dislike the rule. 

While Walker and Spears represent ideas on two extreme sides of the spectrum, it is important to recognize that this rule was put in place to address a multitude of concerns that have risen in response to one common denominator: revealing outfits in the athletic facility. 

I, personally, have mixed feelings about the mandate. On one hand, I have heard that sweat therapy is a great way to release toxins from the body and, hey, maybe I might even shed a few extra pounds. But, on the other, I really do not like to be too hot and am sad that I will be unable to wear a lot of my athletic wardrobe. 

While both sides have valid arguments, at the end of the day, no matter what we should all learn to respect each other’s differences and seek to understand one another’s points of view in order to make shared spaces, like the Sherman Facility, as comfortable and as accessible as possible for every student-athlete. Also, I hope that the athletics department will provide some free deodorant because football players in sweatsuits are going to be a hazard.

Now there is speculation about what the repercussions of violating this rule will be, and a popular one at the moment seems to be an apparent “cone of shame” to be worn around campus for a 24-hour period.

Happy April Fools’ Day!