Wandering around the UCLA campus this past week, an unusual public figure could have been seen working out at Drake Stadium. Among the countless many who use the track throughout the day, San Francisco Giants superstar Barry Bonds has been conditioning at Drake in an attempt to fully recover from three off-season knee surgeries.
The 40-year-old Bonds has been sprinting and cutting since last Wednesday, working out at the UCLA track under the direction of renowned Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim orthopedist Dr. Lewis Yocum and physical therapist Clive Brewster. Yet the seven-time NL MVP still hasn’t resumed baseball activities, and is merely using the track for informal training sessions while he resides in the L.A. area.
Bonds’ use of UCLA facilities is yet another example of famous athletes coming to Westwood to either stay physically sharp or recover from a previous injury. Athletes have even used UCLA for recreational purposes. For instance, former Lakers great Magic Johnson rented out Pauley Pavilion during the summer four years ago and arranged an informal basketball league where professional players could come to practice against top tier talent.
But in order for an athlete to take advantage of UCLA’s facilities and officially train here, he or she must first receive clearance from the university after signing a waiver. This policy was invoked almost a year ago by both the Athletic Department and the Recreational Affairs Department to help keep the campus available to college students first and foremost.
“We wanted to limit how many professional athletes could use our campus because at some point we have to give students the opportunity to take advantages of all the resources at their disposal,” said Rich Mylin, associate director of events, facilities and operation for UCLA Recreation.
“We do like to cultivate a community with people who aren’t only in school, but the students have to be our priority.”
The school hasn’t abolished all athletes from using its facilities, however, as long as they sign the waiver if they plan on training with an official staff.
“We don’t allow people to make money off our campus,” Mylin said. “Basically, if an athlete were to hire a trainer or some coach we would need to step in and act as a buffer.”
Given the fact that many public figures – celebrities and athletes alike – frequent the campus because of its presence in one of the country’s marquee metropolises, many would wonder why the athletic and recreation departments regulate the use of the campus. But the answer is much simpler than it seems.
“We want to ensure that school can remain as public as possible,” said Bob Field, associate athletic director. “By limiting the private use of the school we can keep the resources available to the public rather than becoming just a private athletic club.”
The school’s decision was a result of conflicting opportunities. On one hand, administrators want to keep the university available to as many people as possible. On the other hand, there could be a lost opportunity to have notable personas showing up on campus to enhance campus life.
And having Bonds strutting around campus can’t hurt the notoriety of UCLA.
“We definitely like having famous athletes and celebrities around Westwood,” Mylin said. “We view it as an honor and a validation at what UCLA has to offer as a well-rounded place.”
As far as Bonds goes, he’s still been seen around Drake in the morning, climbing steps and running the track. While the athletic and recreation departments are aware of his presence, Bonds has yet to ask for any official clearance.
“Technically, he’s just one of hundreds or thousands of people we have run around the track during open hours trying to stay in shape,” Fields said.