By Leigh Ann Gutierrez
[MANDEVILLE] – Varsity Sports is a specialized athletic store in Old Mandeville that primarily sells comfortable footwear to runners and walkers. Although the store specializes in footwear, Varsity Sports carries a variety of merchandise and serves a wider range of customers than just walkers and runners.
Varsity Sports was established in June 2000 in Baton Rouge. It wasn’t until August 2007 that the second location in Old Mandeville opened.
“The owners searched about three years for a new location for the second store. They finally decided on Old Mandeville because they liked the area. Like the first store, the building was originally an old home. They also liked that it is near Lake Pontchartrain,” says Turena Johnsonlane, Varsity Sports employee.
Prior to being Varsity Sports, the location was a residence for many years. Built in the 1800s, the building required some renovations by the current owners. Walls were ripped out, and the kitchen was remodeled to give the building a business atmosphere. The original ceiling and staircase still remain, keeping an old ambience within the store.
Varsity Sports employees say they enjoy working at the Old Mandeville location. “We’re currently in a growing period, but we love it here. The owners and managers are involved in the community. Once people find us and experience the service, they always come back,” says Johnsonlane.
One way Varsity Sports stays active in the community is by organizing group runs. Every Thursday at 6 p.m. a group meets at the store to run along the Lakefront. Anyone is welcome to come by the store and participate.
In addition to their group run, the store is also active in other local events. “Keeping Up With Jones” is a road race that will benefit The Methodist Home for Children and The Boy Scouts of Istrouma Council. The race will be held on Saturday, Nov. 21 at Madisonville Ball Park in Madisonville. Those interested can pre-register in person at Varsity Sports.
St. Paul’s Cross Country Christmas Run is another upcoming event in which Varsity Sports participates. The event will be on Saturday, Dec. 5 at St. Paul’s School in Covington. Those interested in participating in this race can pre-register in person at Varsity Sports.
Varsity Sports provides a large selection of athletic wear.In addition to walking and running shoes, Varsity Sports sells clothing, swimwear, nutritional supplements and accessories. The store strives to provide personal assistance to those with specific needs.“We specialize in fitting people for shoes. We look at the arches in their feet and the way they walk. The bio-mechanics help determine what shoe is best for each particular person,” says employee Tyler Detiege.
“In addition to athletes, we also have business-people who come in searching for comfortable shoes because they’re on their feet all day. We can help people find shoes that relieve various types of ailments,” says Johnsonlane.
Varsity Sports is located right off Girod Street at 2021 Claiborne St. The store is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information visit www.varsityrunning.com.
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