RecLIFE FALL 2018
RECREATIONAL SPORTS DIVISION OF STUDENT AFFAIRS
Student Recreation Center Walk of Champions and Circle of Excellence
HOWDY,
Efforts to fund scholarship and endowment accounts through the Texas A&M Foundation is being met with enthusiasm and appreciation. Current and former sport club members, along with current and former Rec Sports student staff, will make a strong impact on programs for which they have developed a passion. Do you have a passion for anything in your life? Do you support that passion? At the Texas A&M Department of Recreational Sports, we strive to provide student staff and sport club members with opportunities that support their passion. Many find their passion working as student staff members, while others find their passion by participating in a sport club. Whatever the association, many carry their passion with them throughout their lives. The support provided by Rec Sports former students provides a funding source that will help continue development of the donor’s passion. With the establishment of the Dennis Corrington Department of Recreational Sports Leadership Scholarship, many friends of the Department have expressed their appreciation of Mr. Corrington’s forty-five years of service to Texas A&M University. Donations are still being accepted for this scholarship, and I hope you will consider moving forward with a donation to endow this scholarship. In this issue of RecLIFE Magazine, the articles are written about individuals that have a passion for some aspect of the Department of Recreational Sports. We also introduce to you Rick Hall, Director of Recreational Sports, and write about his passion for this department. Please read and enjoy!
Thanks & Gig ‘Em!
JAMES M. WELFORD Director of Development Department of Recreational Sports
P.S. The Department of Recreational Sports would like to wish you a safe and happy holiday season!
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CONTENTS Howdy, New Staff
4
Women’s Lacrosse Endowment
6
In the Name of Judo
8
Legacy of Excellence
10
Where Are They Now?
12
Rec Sports Spring 2019 Reunion
14
Walk of Champions
14
Sport Clubs Achievements
15
Director of Development - James Welford Marketing Director - Michelle Briggs Assistant Director of Communications - Kelly VonDrehle
RECLIFE MAGAZINE COORDINATOR
Michele Schevikhoven
GRAPHIC ARTIST
Rachel Gawlik
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HOWDY
NEW STAFF!
Oscee Wheatfall III, Facilities and Operations Director, has a BA in History from the University of Texas at Austin and a Master’s degree in Recreation, Sport and Tourism from the University of Illinois. “I want Texas A&M Rec Sports to be the best program and have the best facilities and students in the country, and I will do my part to ensure that this continues well after I’m gone.”
Miranda Price, Fitness and Wellness Coordinator, has a BS in Kinesiology with a minor in Athletic Training from Georgia Southern University and a Master’s degree in Public Health from Georgia Southern University. “After my visit in College Station, I knew I wanted this place to be my next home.”
CJ Stancheski, Aquatics Coordinator, has a BS in Information Technology from the University of Central Florida and a Master’s of Science in Sport Management from Texas A&M University. “Being able to work with amazing students and co-workers who have a ton of potential makes Rec Sports work feel less like work.”
Christian Miller, Facilities and Leadership Coordinator, has a BS in Nutrition, Health, and Fitness from Purdue University and a Master’s degree in Campus Recreation Leadership from James Madison University. “The legacy that A&M carries throughout the industry is one of preeminence and excellence.”
Carlos Garcia, Director of Aquatics, has a BS in Kinesiology with Emphasis in Physical Education from the University of Texas at San Antonio and a Master’s of Education in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from the University of Texas at San Antonio. “I get to work with college students on a daily basis and have the opportunity to develop them into the professionals of tomorrow.”
Nick Heiar, Director of Intramural Sports, has a Bachelor’s degree in Recreation, Sport and Tourism from the University of Illinois and a Master’s degree in Sport Management from Texas A&M University. “I love that two days are never the same because it means you’re doing something you truly love.”
Stephen Opskar, Personal & Small Group Training Coordinator, has a Bachelor’s degree in Education, majoring in Community Health, from the University of Kansas and a Master’s in Applied Exercise Science from Oklahoma State University. “Both the students and the professional staff prove that they’re leaders in each of their respective industries.”
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John Fernstrom, Graduate Assistant for Intramural Sports, has a BA in Sociology and Criminology from The University of Miami, where he received the award for excellence in sociology and criminology. “Being able to interact with students and really impact their lives is extremely fulfilling.”
Courtney Collard, Graduate Assistant for Sport Clubs, has a BA in Communication and Comprehensive Psychology from Wilfrid Laurier University. “There is so much to learn, and having experienced staff around to teach me and share wisdom is definitely something I love and appreciate about being a GA at Rec Sports.”
Valerie Ortega, Graduate Assistant for Facilities, has a Bachelor’s degree in Sport Management from Texas A&M University. “It’s an amazing experience to have the opportunity to interact and work with students on a daily basis. Helping them develop not only into better professionals, but overall individuals, is very rewarding.”
Anthony Ramos, Graduate Assistant for Marketing and Communications, has a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management from Rowan University. “I love working with passionate undergraduate students who are involved on campus, not just at the Rec.”
Cynthia Roberts, Graduate Assistant for Aquatics, has a Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology from the University of Tennessee–Knoxville. “I love working at the Texas A&M Rec Center because we have such a large department and we have so many intelligent people who are willing to share their knowledge and experiences. I know I am in the best possible place to better myself for whatever comes next.”
Lauren Shively, Graduate Assistant for Facilities, has a Bachelor’s degree in Recreation, Parks, and Tourism Sciences from Purdue University. “Everyone is encouraging one another to be their best selves and will go out of their way to help in that.”
Elsie Derebery, Graduate Assistant for Outdoor Adventures, has a Bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies: International Outdoor Education from the University of Alabama. “I absolutely love getting to work with college students during such an important and transformational stage of life.”
DJ Scott, Graduate Assistant for Strength & Conditioning, has a Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science and Health Promotion from Florida Atlantic University. “You come to the Rec and you feel at home, no matter what your interests are.”
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Women’s Lacrosse ‘18 Practicing at Penberthy Rec Sports Complex
Reaching for greatness
T
he Women’s Lacrosse Club recently created an endowment in honor of their hard work and dedication. Together, the team made the decision to donate the first $7,000 of the endowment toward the creation of a scholarship that will help out-of-state team members pay their tuition. Club president Elise McLaren says, “Our former club president, Angela Dawn, actually came up with the idea. I was telling her about the burden of out-of-state tuition,” which was the inspiration behind the scholarship. McLaren wants to encourage both former and current members to donate to their endowment. With a large portion of the team consisting of out-of-state students, McLaren hopes this new scholarship opportunity will
assist them in paying their tuition so they can focus on their team and the sport they love. The Women’s Lacrosse Team works hard both on and off the field; they practice academic discipline in order to be great students as well as great athletes. “Academics are extremely important to us. We are students first and athletes second,” says McLaren. The team stresses the importance of effective time management skills and concentration so they can be dedicated both at practice and in the classroom. The donors of this new endowment are cherished and appreciated by the Women’s Lacrosse Club more than they will know. As a way to keep those donors and the
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Women’s Lacrosse Team 2017 - 2018
former alumni in the loop, McLaren is proposing to send out a newsletter with current schedules, team information, and recent achievements. McLaren wants to maintain a connection with the alumni to remind them that they are not forgotten and that they continue to be an important part of the team. The strong women of this team are always working to better themselves. From practicing two hours a day, three times a week in their fall offseason to practicing four times a week for two hours in their regular spring season, this team is focused on success. Confidence and motivation play an important role in practice and at games. “We are strongly motivated by each other. One of the best things about playing a team sport is
Women’s Lacrosse Team 2018 - 2019
that we are able to push each other to be the best players we can be,” McLaren says. Lacrosse is more than a sport; it is a passion filled with determination and heart. Likewise, these women are more than team members; they are talented athletes who strive for greatness. By supporting them through contributions to the The Women’s Lacrosse Scholarship, you support their dreams and their passions. Texas A&M University takes pride in the Women’s Lacrosse Team and their many accomplishments. Through perseverance and spirit, this team will continue to grow as students and as athletes. Their potential is unmatched, and they can achieve their biggest goals with your support.
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IN THE NAME OF JUDO The Bob Perez Endowment is dedicated to creating scholarships for the hardworking and passionate students of the Judo Club. Coach Bob Perez acknowledges the donors and supporters of the club and the importance of their role. “They realize that when they were in school doing Judo, they didn’t have the same support and resources as the club has now.” Perez says that the former members want the current students to have bigger and better opportunities for success.
When asked about the benefits of the endowment, Perez claims that the club will be more attractive to high level competitors and athletes due to the rise in scholarship opportunities, which will hopefully entice them to come to Texas A&M and join the team. Texas A&M is one of only a few universities that allow
students who participate in Sport Clubs to qualify for scholarships.
Perez hopes to see the endowment grow two to three times its size so more members can be rewarded for their talent and passion. A majority of the club’s budget is funded by the team, so contributions make a big difference. The club is at its best when the team can focus on improving their skills instead of worrying about paying their bills. “Having this opportunity builds confidence in the club and its members,” Perez claims. Perez is investing in the future of this club, which is growing in numbers and in strength. The club needs your support and passion in order to continue growing and looking toward bigger and better dreams.
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REACHING OUT One couple who has already supported the Texas A&M University Judo Club with a generous donation is Mike and Lori Morgan. Mike is a former Texas A&M Judo Club member who started his journey with the club like many of the new members in 1978. “I always thought about joining Judo. It was laid out in front of me and all I had to do was step up, sign up, and show up,” says Morgan. Morgan claims the club was new, welcoming, and exciting, which influenced his decision to participate in the sport. Since Morgan’s presence on the team, the club has grown significantly in both size and strength, which means that more opportunities are available for talented students to participate. The Morgans’ first donation was to a scholarship that was already in the making, but upon further
research, they decided to increase their donation to assist more team members financially. “My wife and I had to decide whether one large donation or multiple smaller donations would benefit the club most, and we decided the club would be better off with one large donation,” Morgan explains. “I learned a lot about myself and others,” Morgan says. He wants other individuals to experience this amazing sport because it is one most people don’t consider. The Morgans’ donation will relieve some of the financial burden that comes with college, allowing club members to focus on what they love. With more opportunities, the Texas A&M Judo Club will be able to attract top talent from around the world and will grow and become a stronger team.
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LEGACY OF EXCELLENCE Building on the Future Vision of Rec Sports RECLIFE MAGAZINE | PAGE 10
R
ick Hall, who started his Rec Sports career as an assistant director working in the Intramural Sports program, has worked his way to the position of Director of Recreational Sports through hard work, dedication to Texas A&M, and a passion for each student’s wellness and success.
can never not continue that high standard. But I also know that there are a lot of new things we can do.” Hall claims, “We’ve just scratched the surface,” in terms of what Rec Sports can do for the students and what we can improve on. Hall plans to build upon the legacy left by the former executive director, Dennis Corrington.
The support of former student staff is a key component in maintaining the Rec Sports standard of excellence; without this support, the Rec wouldn’t be the same. Hall recognizes and embraces this opportunity, claiming, “Donors and supporters are our greatest resource. We
Hall mentioned the feeling of excitement that filled every student and staff member during the recent renovation and expansion of the Rec Center. He says, “Everything was new and exciting. Once the construction was completed, people were proud of the
Trent, Rick, and Jesse Hall
Rec.” Hall wants those former student staff and alumni to think back on how important their role at Rec Sports was, and still is, to the students who currently use the Rec. He wants to inspire them to give back to the place that gave them so much. “We want our former students to remember that connection, remember their hard work, and remember the good times,” Hall says. Rec Sports has maintained a connection with outstanding former student staff and sport clubs alumni throughout the years, and their donations to Rec Sports have aided in the betterment of Rec Sports’ facilities and programs. Hall emphasizes the
Rick and Mel Dornak Hall
importance of donations, saying, “We know costs aren’t going down, so anything we can do to add new revenue streams will help us in the future; help our plan.” Hall wants to give our students the best opportunities and resources, and the most efficient way to do that is through the support of donors and contributors. Donations go toward funding scholarships that are awarded to outstanding Rec Sports staff and Sport Clubs athletes. Hall comments on the benefit of those scholarships, saying, “[The donations] help us recruit outstanding student athletes that will benefit us as students but also benefit the clubs.”
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WHERE
ARE THEY
NOW?
RYAN KELLER ‘07
Ryan Keller is currently the Assistant Director of Fitness at Texas Christian University (TCU) Campus Rec. He supervises staff and programming for personal training, group fitness, and massage therapy, and oversees equipment layout and purchasing for the weight room. Ryan also trains and coaches clients and teaches group fitness classes from time to time. Before his success at TCU, he started here, at Texas A&M Rec Sports in the Strength & Conditioning area. Ryan says that he always enjoyed working out in high school and in college. “I wanted a job on campus and I used the weight room, so I wanted to start there.” Ryan took every opportunity he could at Rec Sports to climb the ladder; after his start as a Strength & Conditioning Room attendant he was promoted to personal trainer, and then he became a supervisor over both areas. After graduating in 2008, Ryan became the first graduate assistant for Strength & Conditioning. During his time at Rec Sports, Ryan learned how to be vulnerable in his position and how to improve his methods through feedback of his superiors. He claims Jerod Wilson was his inspiration; “I’m always thinking, ‘What would Jerod do?’ while I work.” At TCU, Ryan upholds the standard of excellence he learned at Texas A&M Rec Sports.
Emily Miller, Patricia Stepaniuk, and Kate Williams showcased their talents through their work with RecLIFE Magazine. These women were dedicated to creating the best magazine for the former students, alumni, and friends of Texas A&M Rec Sports.
KATE WILLIAMS ‘16
Kate Williams is now the Multi-Media Designer for RAM Restaurant Group in Seattle, Washington where she works as the in-house food photographer, the menu graphic artist, and the merchandising manager. Her job allows her to use and enhance her skills in graphic design and photography. “It’s not necessarily work; I genuinely enjoy my job,” Kate explains. During her time at Texas A&M Rec Sports, Kate was able to connect with people through interviews and writing stories, which taught her how to understand where people are coming from. She says, “Always ask why. Ask people why they do their job and why they are passionate about something.” Kate uses these invaluable skills in her occupation now; she takes what she learned from her experience with RecLIFE Magazine and alters it to work with her current position.
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Catching Up with Former Rec Sports Student Employees EMILY MILLER ‘11
Emily Miller is the Operations Program Manager at Facebook’s Austin branch. She also plays an important role on their Small and Medium Business Team where she focuses on the operations of Facebook. Day-today, Emily looks at how their sales team can improve and be more efficient so they have what they need to benefit their clients. Emily has been with Facebook for over six years; she started as a Client Service Specialist working directly with clients to handle questions and troubleshoot technical problems. She continues to work hard and challenge herself in her career so she can climb her way to the top.
Emily celebrating 5 years at Facebook
Emily decided to apply for a job at Facebook after she was inspired by their purpose, claiming, “I felt connected to the mission. It was something I cared about.” She learned crucial communication skills that reached further than speaking with people. Emily learned how to reach out to those she worked with and those she interviewed, which taught her how to make quick connections and build relationships. In her role with RecLIFE Magazine, Emily gained the experience she needed to give her a boost in the job market.
Patricia works as the Program Assistant for a non-profit organization called CATCH My Breath at CATCH Global in Austin, Texas. There, she reviews and updates her organization’s web pages, proposals, and presentations, works with her peers and supervisors to plan and coordinate conferences, and ensures that branding and messaging are consistent across the program.
PATRICIA STEPANIUK ‘12
Patricia’s employment with Rec Sports gave her the autonomy to develop her writing and creative skills. She created the layout, captured the photos, designed the spreads, and wrote the articles; this magazine allowed her to express her creative side and really put her skills to work. Patricia says her most valued lesson learned from Rec Sports is the ability to listen—not just hear what her peers and supervisors are saying, but understand and learn from their critiques and experiences.
Tell us your Rec Sports story! | Email jwelford@rec.tamu.edu
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Spring 2019 Rec Sports Family Reunion March 30 | 11am http://recsports.tamu.edu/giving-events
WALK OF CHAMPIONS
SYDNEY MANNING & LINDSEY URESTI WALK OF CHAMPIONS ENDOWMENT BRICK CAMPAIGN: The Walk of Champions features bricks engraved with the names of students, employees, and friends of A&M. Together we can ensure that the values of leadership, fair play, sportsmanship, honesty, and integrity are instilled in all Aggies. A portion of the funds from the brick campaign go toward the Walk of Champions Endowment. To learn more about getting your own brick in the Walk of Champions, contact James Welford at jwelford@rec.tamu.edu.
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Wakeboarding 2018 Collegiate Wakeboard National Champions Men’s Water Polo Second at the CWPA Texas Division Conference Championships at Rice University Water Ski 6th in Division I at the 40th Collegiate Water Ski Nationals; also received the Spirit Award Men’s Soccer NIRSA Region IV Soccer Regionals Judo Adrian Bernal competed in the 2018 World Judo Championship in Nassau, Bahamas
RECLIFE MAGAZINE | PAGE 15 Texas A&M Water Ski Spirit Crew
Department of Recreational Sports Texas A&M University 4250 TAMU College Station, TX 77843-4250
NONPROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID COLLEGE STATION PERMIT NO. 215
Rec Sports Tailgate Tent