In 1998, the Oxford Athletic Club opened its doors with a vision: to provide a state-of-the-art fitness facility that fosters a sense of community and promotes a healthy lifestyle. Twenty-six years later, that vision has become a reality, and the club has grown into a cornerstone of our community, boasting cutting-edge amenities, diverse fitness programs, and a loyal membership base.

To commemorate this significant milestone, we sat down with three cherished members who have been with us since the very beginning: Dave Testa, Linda Chomos, and Rosemary Garrity. Their stories not only highlight the club’s journey but also reflect the personal growth and lifelong friendships that have blossomed within our walls.

Dave Testa joined Oxford Athletic Club to stay fit and active. Over the years, his dedication to health and wellness has been unwavering. When asked what his favorite part of the club was, he answered, “The variety offered. I like the workout equipment, pickleball, the pool, the sauna, the hot tub. The fact that all these things are available to me is why I came here to begin with.” Dave’s advice to members is, “Take advantage of all the assets you have, and you’ll find which ones fit you better. I’m an avid pickleball player now because of Oxford.”

For Linda Chomos, Oxford Athletic Club has been more than just a place to work out; it’s been a constant in her life through various stages of change. We asked Linda if she’s made any friendships while a member and she said, “Absolutely! I’ve made some of my best friends in the past 26 years from the club. Recently, we had a reunion from a team we had probably ten or twelve years ago. I’ve met people from all over the world playing tennis here at the club.”

Linda’s connection to Oxford Athletic Club runs deep and the club’s impact goes beyond physical fitness. “I’d like to give a shoutout to the fitness instructors here: Pam, Roni, Stacey, Elica. They’re [the] ones I see regularly, and they make the classes great every time you’re there. I’ve had a great relationship with the tennis pros here over the years: Dave Delatuco, Mark Phillips, and Sally Gibson do a great job organizing courts for people to come in and play. They all make it special as well, to come into the club.”

As a member from the beginning, Rosemary Garrity has witnessed firsthand the club’s transformation and growth. While experiencing her own transformation and growth, Rosemary has fond memories at the club. “The time when our team, in 2008, was the first team out of Oxford to go to Princeton because our team won the Allegheny Mountain District playoffs in the division. We were the team representing the Pittsburgh area going to Princeton. We ended up in 3rd place. It was most memorable for me.”

As we celebrate 26 years of Oxford Athletic Club, we are filled with gratitude for our members, staff, and the entire community that has supported us along the way. Our journey is far from over, and we are excited to continue evolving and expanding our offerings to provide the best possible experience for our members.

To Dave, Linda, Rosemary, and all our members who have been with us since the beginning – thank you for being a part of our story. Your dedication and passion inspire us every day. Here’s to many more years of health, wellness, and community at Oxford Athletic Club.

Join us in celebrating this milestone and look forward to exciting new developments in the coming months. Whether you’re a longtime member or new to our community, we invite you to be a part of the next chapter in our journey!

Visit Oxford Athletic Club’s Instagram or Facebook to hear more from Dave, Linda, and Rosemary about their journeys at the club.