The Male Seminary Recreation Center offers volleyball, basketball, and pickleball leagues free of charge to Cherokee Nation citizens.
Tahlequah – The Cherokee Nation Men's Seminary Recreation Center, also formerly known as “Marcoma,” offers a variety of sports leagues, including volleyball, basketball, pickleball, cornhole, and softball.
Lead Rec Specialist Terry Hooper said he was pleased the recreation center was open to the community.
“We're happy to have locals here. Everyone is welcome,” Hooper said. “It’s nice to see everyone getting out and getting healthy.”
In addition to the league, the recreation center itself provides free gym equipment and fitness classes to Cherokee Nation citizens. Non-citizens are welcome with a membership fee of $20.
“If you fill out an application, it's free if you're a tribal member. And if you're just in the community, it's $20, which isn't bad compared to other places,” Hooper said. “That's what I like about it. Everyone can afford it.”
“Our first (league) is the fall (basketball) league, which starts around November and runs until about March,” Hooper said. “Then I'll join a volleyball league right away. Then I played pickleball, and then cornhole and softball. Just different sports.”
The center also offers classes for seniors on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.
“We play chair volleyball. They love it. They have a good time, but it requires movement. That's what it's all about,” Hooper said. “They like it. We're playing three days a week and they're trying to get four.”
The Male Seminary Recreation Center is located at 1501 Graham Avenue in Tahlequah and is open Monday through Thursday from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. We are open every day until. Call us at 918-453-5496.
