By: Chuck Paggett
The outside portion of the Recreational Activity Center (RAC) known as M.C. Anderson Recreation Park. Any given day, students and Statesboro locals alike can be found walking the tracks and engaging in physical activity on the fields outside.
Chante Friday, 23, does a pre-exercise stretch in front of the jungle gym at the RAC fields. Friday said she tries to engage in physical activity for about 30 minutes everyday.
Friday takes off jogging on the tracks surrounding the RAC fields. After spending about 5 minutes stretching, she likes to get her blood pumping by doing a light jog around the track.
Friday increases her pace as she sprints around the track. The 23-year-old said she wants to create new workout habits for her physical and mental health.
Friday continues her sprint around the paved track. With the sun beating down, Friday completed two revolutions alternating sprinting and walking.
Friday stretches her back under the shade of a tree. "I normally stretch in-between exercises because I can rest a little and reset my mind for the next activity," Friday said.
Friday stretches her legs out while looking into the camera. She forgot to bring her headphones on this day and feels weird without them, but still decided to get some work in.
Friday looks into the camera as sweat drips down her head. "I couldn't do as much as I wanted to because it's really hot today, but I'll be back at it tomorrow," Friday said.
A view of the outdoor basketball courts at the RAC as rainy clouds threaten to spoil the day. There's normally a large group of people at these courts, but today I found one man shooting hoops by himself.
Johnny Kallianitis prepares to take a three-point shot. Kallianitis said he's a huge basketball fan and likes to come up to these courts to shoot around.
Kallianitis shoots the basketball and holds his release. Kallianitis said it's important to stay fit and one of the better ways is to play sports you enjoy.
Kallianitis fast dribbles the ball behind his back. The double rim on these basketball hoops makes it a little harder to make shots, but Johnny is determined to keep firing from all over the court.
Kallianitis shows perfect form on a deep jumpshot. Johnny wore a Statesboro High shirt with a Duke Blue Devils hat. The schools share a team mascot and Kallianitis is a fan of both.
Kallianitis runs to grab the ball before it goes out of bounds. "Good luck on your assignment. I hope I can get some good shots for you," Kallianitis said. He's not used to being photographed while he's out here, but doesn't mind it and tries to put on a show.
A made three-point basket goes through the hoop. Kallianitis strikes gold on his jumper and is beginning to pace faster in gameplay, getting jumpshots up with steady regularity.
Kallianitis jumps off his left foot to lay the ball in with his right hand. The rain clouds begin to darken as a light drizzle develops, but Johnny stays on the court determined to make a few more shots before he leaves.
Kallianitis takes a three-point shot from the top of the key. "I go to the Final Four every year. Me and a buddy went this past year and it's always amazing - the atmosphere. Of course I wish Duke beat Carolina, but it was still great."
The basketball speeds towards the hoop after a shot by Kallianitis. "Sorry, I usually make a lot more shots than I have today. I don't know why I've been missing." Kallianitis remains steadfast in his efforts to put up numbers as he begins to sweat more - the rain threatens even more now.
The basketball is in flight towards the basketball goal. Kallianitis had been shooting around for about 15 minutes before I approached him. He said he likes to get shots up while listening to music because it is relaxing and keeps him in a healthy frame of mind.
Kallianitis watches the ball after releasing a deep shot from near half court. The rain begins to downpour shortly after this made shot. Kallianitis decided to wrap up today's physical activity as we both scrambled to outrun the showers over our heads.
