Bill McMinn reflected on an old dungeon in Pulliam Hall where people once played basketball and exercised in close quarters.

That old dungeon is really the basketball court on the west wing of Pulliam Hall. In the ’60s the court was once the main artery of physical fitness on campus.

McMinn, director of Intramural-Recreation Sports, now heads up a recreational facility much larger than the Pulliam Gymnasium. In fact, McMinn saw the Recreation Center rise from nothing in the mid-1970s.

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This building has cultural relevance, McMinn said about the Center’s 20th anniversary this week.

Between today and Wednesday, students can register to win prizes at the center in honor of the anniversary.

Brian Lukes, assistant director of Intramural-Recreational Sports, arrived at the center in 1977, and has reacted thoughtfully to the suggestions and changing needs of SIUC’s population.

Many additions have been made through student suggestions. The rock climbing wall was an idea submitted by a student in 1988.

We see the influx, Lukes said. And we’re ready for them.

Last year, more than 500,000 people, including many high school students, used the facility.

A different prize will be given each night of the celebration. Students can register to win for mountain bikes and other athletic equipment during the celebration.

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Also, a 20-foot submarine sandwich will be available for celebrants today at about 4:30 p.m.

McMinn said the service has kept people coming to the center and that it helps students become more well-rounded.

Students should be more rounded when they leave college than when they arrived, McMinn said. The activities provided at the Recreation Center help students achieve that.