Rec Insider May - July 2012

Stephen F. Austin State University

Volume 3, Issue 3 May - July 2012

Recognizing the Value in Campus Recreation How we are changing lives and making a difference Page 3 Scholarship Finalists • Red Men Intramural Team • Summer Group Swim

Letter from the

Director

Welcome once again to the latest edition of the Rec Insider.

I am a bit more excited than usual for this edition because it deals with the best aspect of providing Campus Recreation programs and services…..the positive impact it can have on those that work and participate within our programs.

Please read each of the articles and take note of the tremendous influence that can be had through being an employee working for Campus Recreation as both a professional and a student. By far that is one of the most rewarding aspects of what we do here at Campus Recreation. But it certainly doesn’t stop there. The positive experience, enjoyment and learning that can take place as a participant in our programs is equally rewarding for us.

2012 Campus Recreation Staff

As a staff we thrive on these positive experiences that we provide for others. It is the very reason for us being in this profession.

We love what we do and that is because we truly believe in the positive impact we can have through the programs and services we provide.

If you are a past employee or participant, thank you for being a part of this wonderful history. If you are a current employee or participant please don’t take for granted the opportunity you have to make a difference in the lives of those around you.

Ken Morton Director Janice Casper Office Manager Kelley Consford Administrative Asst.

Kenneth Norris Facilities & Membership Services Debbie Norris Fitness, Wellness, and Safety

Sincerely,

Brian Mills Intramural Sports, Sport Clubs, & Camps Evan Coulson Outdoor Pursuits Suzie Heffernan Aquatics & Special Events

1817 Wilson Drive • Nacogdoches, Texas 75962 Phone: (936) 468-3507 • campusrec@sfasu.edu Page 1

IMPORTANT EVENTS

Outdoor Pool Opening Draws A Crowd, Now Looking Foward to Rec Palooza March 1 celebrated the spring opening of the outdoor pool, and Campus Recreation Aquatics kicked off the event with Get Your Splash On, an event that drew almost 300 students to the outdoor pool and courtyard. Activities included rubber duck races in the lazy river, cannonball contest in the diving well, and battleship matches in canoes in the open recreation area of the pool. A certified Zumba instructor was also in attendance and taught Aqua Zumba. There was also free food, prizes, games, contests, and more!

Now that the pool is open for the summer, Pool Only Memberships are now available at Campus Recreation! These memberships are available for SFA faculty, staff, and students, as well as SFA Alumni Association members. Pool Only Memberships can be purchased in the Student Recreation Center Administration Office Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Campus Recreation will also be hosting Rec Palooza on May 18 from 5:30 pm to 9 pm at the Rec Center Courtyard and Outdoor Pool . This event is open to current members of the Rec Center, SFA faculty and staff, and members of the SFA Alumni Association and will include live music, free food, volleyball, washers and more!

Summer Group Swim Lessons Are Available at Campus Rec! Group swim lessons are a great way for children to learn how to swim or to develop their current swimming skills. Group swim accommodates a variety of ages starting at six months. All swim lessons are taught by an American Red Cross Certified Water Safety Instructor and are divided into six levels. To see a list of dates and level requirements, please visit our website at www.sfasu.edu/campusrec/202.asp. To register your child, please visit the Student Rec Center Administration Office.

Page 2

CAMPUS RECREATION An Invaluable Experience

by Brian Mills Assistant Director for Intramurals, Sport Clubs, and Camps

E

veryone has a different idea of his or her own value as a person, but it may be difficult for an individual to identify a single source of his own value as an employee. In addition, one’s own opinion of selfworth is not always shared by his or her employer. As employees, we want more money, fewer hours, more time off, etc. but our jobs as professionals, graduate assistants or student assistants are not all about money when it comes down to the value of our job.

Recently, at the National Intramural and Recreational Sports Association (NIRSA) national conference in Tampa, FL, I was asked the value question as it relates to our regional and national tournament structure for the National Collegiate Championship Series (NCCS).

Keeping in mind that SFA has played host to the most successful regional flag football tournament during the previous two years, I was shocked by this question and the reasoning behind why it was being asked. I have become accustomed to defending intramural sports and recreational programming against common misconceptions, but now I must justify intramural sports and recreational programming to myself?

A letter (displayed in the right side bar) was written by the coach of the Weber State Club Soccer team that won the NCCS National Club Soccer Championship in 2009. This is not a story about the sweet taste of victory or the jubilant aftermath of a national championship. It is an emotional story that serves as an example and a daily reminder that what we do is important. From the President of a university to the fitness assistant in a facility, we can provide a life-changing experience; or in this case, a break from reality.

This heartfelt letter made me think about the value of our national flag football tournaments. I thought about the endless hours I spent driving to and from New Orleans, LA, where the University of New Orleans played host to the national tournament for decades. I thought about the terrible rooming conditions we had to endure—a residence hall that hadn’t been renovated since it was built, beds made of razor sharp metal corners and ply wood, showers with no curtains, and heaters with no controls where the rooms were 92 degrees. I thought of the worst lunches I have ever had to stomach—one spoonful of red beans and rice and

one piece of cornbread on the first day, followed on the second day by ice cold fried chicken which I was forced to eat because breakfast involved only lava-hot sausage biscuits with polar-ice-cap frozen centers. I thought of how we officiated 9-10 games a day for four straight days after staying out till 4 a.m. in New Orleans.

Despite the hardships, I wouldn’t change a single thing about my experience because it helped mold me into the official and professional I am today. I made more friends through those tournaments than I can remember. I learned what I was made of. The experience helped build confidence and ignited my passion for recreation. You can’t put a value on that.

I thought about the regional tournaments we were so lucky to get because we were SFA, or “Nachos, TX” as spoken by some of our closest friends. I thought about the difficulties we had because we were not the big name or the destination city. When we began, NIRSA and NCCS added stipulations to regional hosts that would cost us money for hosting, but that money was going to support the national tournament. We didn’t even blink after the first year because we became the premier tournament for the country.

The value in our tournament came from the fact that we had one of the best collections of officials, the best staff in the country, some of the best teams across the country, and somehow the “best fields” some teams had played on all year. Most importantly, we had the best host committee. That host committee consisted of all of our departmental professionals, graduate assistants and dozens of our student staff. I have never been so proud of SFA students. All week, we heard praise about our amazing student staff, how professional they were, how involved they were, and most importantly, how impressive they were. That was the first year; it only got better from there. What value can you put on those experiences gained by our students involved?

When I first began my career, I knew nothing about the big picture of intramural sports, much less campus recreation as a whole. It has taken a lot of mistakes, a lot of trial and error and a lot of help along the way. Slowly I have moved back from intramural sports and realized what we have created at SFA. Page Page3 3

It is truly incredible to see a department so completely managed by students FOR students. It is truly remarkable that almost six years ago our facility was a slab of concrete, and we had a student staff of about 50. Now we are closer to 150, and our building is as beautiful as the day it opened.

It is amazing to see our programs, most of which didn’t exist six years ago, thriving and expanding and setting the bar for the next wave of students.

So again, the question is asked, what value is there in recreation? It may be quicker to list the ways that recreation does NOT help you. We analyze assessment reports, surveys, focus groups, Facebook analytics and other avenues to ascertain proof of our value. Measuring value with these methods is sometimes frustrating, not because I don’t believe in them, but because I want to illustrate all of these value-building issues I have just addressed. I want to take pictures of opposing players helping each other up and add headlines that include the words sportsmanship, respect or school spirit. I want to photograph a rookie official reporting a foul to the table, with a caption describing rules knowledge, confidence or future high school official. I could photograph a service assistant at the rec center and label it first responder, future manager or future graduate assistant, because the skills we are teaching could lead to all of those things.

I ask you to think about your experience with campus recreation. Pinpoint the value you gained through trainings, opportunities, experiences, networking and the connections you built through SFA. Define the professionalism, exposure, friendships, confidence or the infinite number of skills you should have learned. This argument can be made for many other professionals— teachers, nurses, social workers, professors…pick one, pick them all. I cannot speak in detail regarding other professions, but I can shout about campus recreation and intramural sports till I am blue in the face. I also know that the proof of our value walks in and out of our doors almost every day of the year and that is enough for us. We see the value in our members and that is what makes our jobs worthwhile, every day.

Page 4

EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT

Dr. Raymond Lee Worsham Scholarship It is with great honor that we created an endowed scholarship for Dr. Worsham in 2010. It is with greater honor that we are able to award the first ever Dr. Raymond Lee Worsham scholarship in April of 2012. And the first ever Campus Recreation scholarship goes to...

Brittany Lee Intramural Sports and Sport Clubs; Junior “Since acquiring her job at the Campus Recreation Center at SFA, Brittany has spoken very highly of her job as a Game Supervisor; she truly enjoys it. Even with Brittany’s hectic schedule with the softball team, school and working it is clear to anyone that Brittany is dedicated to her job.

No matter the task at hand, once assigned to her, Brittany accomplishes it.” - Mike Welch, Haltom H.S., Brittany’s softball coach since 7th grade

The Campus Rec Alumni Committee presents Brittany with the Dr. Raymond Lee Worsham Scholarship.

Here are some highlights of the six finalists for the Dr. Worsham Scholarship applicants: Rashad Collier “What has impressed me the most about Rashad is his work ethic and ability to work as a team player. Rashad has a passion for Campus Recreation and is always looking for ways to become more involved.” - Dan Belcher, Graduate Assistant for Facilities and Member Services

Sarah Shea “In her time as an OM, Sarah has shown tremendous dedication to the department. She is consistently one of the hardest working employees on my staff and often takes time out of her personal life to think of and email me ways she feels our facilities area can improve.” - Kenny Norris, Asst. Director for Facilities and Member Services

Ethan Shipley When told he should apply to become an OM: “I told myself I don’t think I am ready to take this leadership role and did not think I would get hired even though I knew I was an excellent hard worker. I found a leader within myself and found more confidence. I believe I have what it takes in life to be successful and have an impact wherever I end up in life.”

Yanick Strachan How Campus Recreation has impacted Yanick’s personal life - “When I first began working for Campus Recreation I was more of a loner. I kept myself excluded from others and just came to do my job and leave.

But while working here I learned how to be much more social and not only open up and interact with patrons but with my fellow co-workers.”

Marshal White

“Marshal shows a level of maturity, trustworthiness, kindness, honesty, and integrity, which is evident in all his endeavors…I have every confidence that he will complete his studies and complete them in a way that brings honor and esteem to the traditions and goals of your organization.” - Scotty Spake (Yellow House) To see more information about the scholarship, please visit Page 10.

Page 5

FITNESS AND WELLNESS

CROSSFIT forging elite fitness

If one were to discern the principle goal of CrossFit and their idea of fitness, CrossFit could be defined in one word: adaptability. CrossFit believes that fitness does not come in specialization but rather in the ability to constantly adapt, physically and mentally, in any given situation. CrossFit has been used as a training regimen for police academies, army cohorts, and any other institution where the job calls for high-pressure, high-intensity, varied and thus unknowable situations.

It exemplifies that of the all-around athlete: an unspecialized, physically fit individual who is able to perform physically at a high-level in any situation.

Three Definitive Fitness-Related Characteristics:

1.

Compound: Compound workouts are multijoint exercises that develop the body as a whole rather than as a collection of seemingly unrelated parts.

Three Definitive Non-FitnessRelated Characteristics:

1. Competitiveness: It is our natural instinct to perform at a higher intensity if there is another person watching or doing it also. This is why the community aspect of CrossFit is extremely important.

2. Online: The core of CrossFit in online

at www.crossfit.com. Through the website, CrossFitters post workouts, videos, journal articles, and more. In addition to the bulk of information online, the CrossFit community is primarily also based online.

3. Community: CrossFit has a very loyal and

committed community that competes with and supports its members. They encourage each other while being competitive in order to push their Conditioning: CrossFit is not the standard ten fellow CrossFitters and themselves to become repetitions for three sets workout. These workouts healthier. will work you until you feel you are unable to do anymore, then work you even more.

With a training regimen as intense as CrossFit, there

2.

3.

Interval: CrossFit has no set routine for workouts. In order to best adapt, you must train in a varied and unexpected manner that your body is able to handle but is still unprepared for.

As mentioned before, CrossFit does not only challenge you physically but mentally as well. Many CrossFitters would tell you that the physical results are nice but the mental gratification of pushing yourself past your preconceived limits to perform at a higher level is the primary reason for doing CrossFit.

is an increase in the possibility of injury. If you are uncomfortable doing CrossFit, there is no reason to feel pressured to do it. There are many equivalent substitutes for these exercises if you do not have the proper equipment or are not at a the proper fitness level. If you are interested in CrossFit but are not sure how to get started, CrossFit affiliates offer foundation classes to get you familiar with the exercises. These foundation classes will also get you into shape in order to perform CrossFit exercises in a safe and healthy manner.

Page 6

BLAST FROM THE PAST Where They Are Now An update on former Campus Rec employees

Lauren Cox graduated from SFA with a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism, with an emphasis in advertising. She began working for Campus Recreation in Special Events from 2007 to 2010 in programming events such as Parents Night Out and children’s birthday parties. She also worked for Campus Rec Promotions from 2008 to 2010, beginning as a volunteer photographer and working her way to student supervisor.

When asked to pick one favorite experience from her time at Campus Rec, Lauren said, “I would have to say it was forging the friendships with my co-workers, my supervisor and other professional/student staff members at Campus Rec. They made my job FUN and enjoyable, and are still friends I have today.”

“Campus Rec helped me gain professional experience in so many areas. The communication and interviewing skills I learned and improved upon (from the workshops) were the most relevant for my current job. However, the skills I gained in design/editing programs, photography/videography and even a few supervisory skills gave my resume a cutting edge that I believe helped me land my current job.”

Lauren currently works as the eCommerce Content Coordinator for Stage Stores, Inc. This is the company that owns Palais Royal, Goody’s, Bealls, Stage and Peebles. She working at their corporate headquarters in Houston.

Her advice for current student employees of Campus Rec is to “always take advantage of great opportunities that Campus Rec presents. Attend as many interviewing and resume workshops as you can. Get involved with the NIRSA and network as much as you can. These are great tools and opportunities that will prepare you for a successful career beyond college.”

Matt Gholson graduated from SFA in May 2011 with a Bachelors of Science in Kinesiology and a minor in Information Technology. He began working at Campus Rec in the spring of 2008 as a lifeguard. In the fall of 2008 until spring of 2010, Matt worked as a Head Guard in Aquatics.

Matt’s favorite experiences working at Campus Rec were the student staff vs. pro staff events “which no semester would have been complete without.” He said, “The student staff might not have always won but it was always fun and a great way to bring all the different programs together and compete in various events against our bosses.”

Matt is currently working as the Aquatics Coordinator at Good Shepherd Medical Center’s Institute for Healthy Living in Longview, TX .

When asked how Campus Recreation helped prepare him for his current job, he said, “Campus Rec gave me the opportunity to obtain certifications that are looked for by most aquatics facilities such as certifications as a Certified Pool Operator, American Red Cross Lifeguarding and CPR Instructor certifications along with several other that gave me a head start after graduation. One of the main reasons I work as an Aquatics Coordinator is because working at Campus Rec gave me the experience that was needed to excel in my chosen career that not many college graduates gain while they are still in school.”

If you are a former Campus Rec employee or participant and want to be featured in this newsletter, please contact us at campusrec@sfasu.edu or 936-468-5844. Please include your experiences working at SFA Campus Recreation and what you’ve been doing since your time at SFA. If possible, please also include a recent picture.

Page 7

Who Am I?

A look at former IMS participants The Red Men competed in SFA Intramurals from 2005 to 2009 and consisted of Andy Lucas, Brad Cepak, Miles Tenney, Ryan McElroy, Dale Walker, Luin McConnell, Jordon Droll, Chris Clark, Ross Rogers, Ryan Johnson, Lucas Cox, Andy McCrady, Billy McWhorter, Philip Johnson, Jake Jahns, Kirk Molyneux, Jason Stewart and Dustin Benedict.

The Red Men competed in flag football, softball, soccer, basketball, volleyball, wally ball, racquetball, flickerball, Xbox, checkers, horseshoes, washers, ping pong, badminton, tennis, punt pass & kick, pickleball, and dodgeball. “We tried to compete in all of the sports that were offered for the team challenge; we didn’t always have a full team there but we always had someone from Red Men competing in almost all events,” said Andy Lucas.

Jason Stewart played for the Red Men from 2006 to 2008. “I played flag football, softball, and soccer, said Jason, “My favorite memory from Red Men was actually the flag football tournament where we placed second. It was my favorite more because of the great time we had the whole Saturday playing and even more fun that night in celebration.”

Andy, Lucas Cox and Ryan McElroy agreed that softball was one of the favorite sports they competed in. “Softball was always great. One game, a lot of us put our gloves on our opposite hands for an inning or two,” noted Ryan. Lucas added, “They were always very competitive leagues and a lot of fun when playing against all of the fraternities.”

Andy says the team still tries to get together as often as possible.

“We try to have a Red Men washer tournament every year somewhere around the Dallas area. We all get together with our wives, girlfriends and some even bring their kids, and play washers and hangout for the weekend and compete for a washer tournament trophy,” said Lucas, “Our tournament this year was the weekend of April 28th in Waxahachie, Texas. This was our 4th tournament to put together.” Ryan also competes at the tournament. He said, “For the most part everyone makes it out. We have trophies for the winners, and Miles (Tenney) and I won last year.”

Jason now works for Ameri-Tech Industries in Center, TX, as an accountant and is also a member of the SFA TASO chapter of Baseball Officials and during the spring he officiated high school baseball. He and his wife had twins in October of 2010.

Ryan works with his dad in the Dallas area at McElroy’s Lawn Service. He married in March of 2011 to Kathryn Matus, whom he met at SFA and was on the co-ed Red Men team.

After graduation, Lucas moved back to Temple, Texas, and currently works at the new HEB warehouse as a DCS Coordinator.

Page 8

Sport Clubs NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENTS

Ultimate Frisbee Team Hosts “One Night Stand”

The SFA Ultimate Frisbee club hosted its annual One Night Stand tournament on April 14th and 15th. The club brought in twelve teams from around the region and played through the night. Schools that attended included the University of Texas at Dallas, Sam Houston State University, Northwestern State University, Oklahoma University, and the SFA Club team. The club team was also able to bring back some of their alumni to play in the tournament. The club team from UT-Dallas finished the night on top, winning the tournament in the early morning hours.

Bass Team Up for a Busy Summer

This semester the Bass Team had numerous tournaments, with a few still left before the end of the semester and a couple this summer. Here is a recap of their wins and where they are headed this summer: January • Lake Perky near Marshall, TX (club event): 1st place: Brian Blades (10.17 lbs) February • Lake O the Pines (club event): 1st place: Preston Whisenhunt (13.16 lbs) March • Lake Lewisville, near Lewisville, TX (ACA): Preston Whisenhunt and Jared West won 1st place.

May • Fort Gibson in Oklahoma: Team that finishes highest will fish the ESPN National Championship in Little Rock, Arkansas.

• Lake Pickwick in Florence, Alabama (Boat U.S. National Championship)

Other Sport Club News The Women’s Club Soccer team traveled to Texas A&M University to compete in a 7-on-7 tournament on April 28. The weather was great but windy, and they tied the University of Houston 2-2. They lost to A&M in the second game 5-1. Their third game against Lamar was a victory at 3-1. They lost the last two games against Baylor (7-0) and Sam Houston (3-2). However, overall the team had a great a day of soccer and were happy with how they played together.

The Club Tennis team will be hosting their annual tournament, the Lumberjack Open, on Saturday, May 5 at the Schlief Tennis Complex at SFA. This is a general public tournament open to everyone, nd there will be both singles and doubles divistions. To register, please visit the Campus Recreation website at www.sfasu.edu/campusrec/511.asp.

June • Toledo Bend (FLW): Colby McClary and Eric Warner will be competing in this event.

• Choke Canyon Lake (Texas Collegiate Series Championship): Preston Whisenhunt and Jared West will be competing.

July • ESPN National Championship Want to get in touch with old club members? Please e-mail us at millsbrian@sfasu.edu or call 936-468-1434 and give us some details about your experience with the club program, when you were a part of the club, and who you are looking for. We will do everything we can to help.

Page 9

Donate to the

Dr. Raymond Lee Worsham Scholarship Fund The Campus Recreation Department is excited to announce the creation of the Dr. Raymond Lee Worsham Endowed Scholarship. This scholarship is created to provide financial assistance to current student employees of the Campus Recreation Department.

Dr. Raymond “Ray” Worsham was the Intramural Department Director at SFA for 43 years prior to the creation of the Campus Recreation Department.

Dr. Worsham was the keystone to the Intramural Department for more than four decades and his dedication and lasting impact is something that we will celebrate for decades to come with the creation of this scholarship. Under Dr. Worsham, intramural sports flourished to the highest numbers the program has ever seen. Thousands of students spent nights playing on the intramural fields, in the HPE and around campus over Dr. Worsham’s tenure.

The strong intramural tradition lives on through our current sport offerings, THE intramural champ shirt, the contact we have with former student athletes in the program and we are privileged to honor him with this scholarship.

For more information about the Dr. Raymond Lee Worsham Endowed Scholarship, please contact Brian Mills, Assistant Director for Intramural Sports, Sport Clubs and Summer Camps at millsbrian@sfasu.edu or call 936-468-1775.

If you would like to donate to the Dr. Raymond Lee Worsham Scholarship Fund, please follow these simple steps: 1. Visit www.sfaalumni.com/donations/ 2. Select “Donate Online” next to SFA Alumni Association Scholarship Fund.

3. Select Alumni Scholarship Fund as the donation type and specify “Dr. Raymond Lee Worsham Scholarship.”

4. Complete all required information.

5. Submit your donation.

You can also join the Alumni Interest Chapter on the SFA Alumni website to follow Nacogdoches Alumni Chapter events.

Page 10

Page 11