RecLIFE Spring 2009

R EC Life

“We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.”

-- Winston Churchill It’s through the generosity of friends that many present-day Aggies enjoy some of the finest recreational programs and clubs available on any university campus in the country. If you would like to support Rec Sports there are a number of ways you can help.

Visit us online at recsports.tamu.edu and select the Development and Sponsors menu. There, you can learn about our various endowments and other giving opportunities. Thank you for your support!

From working to working out and everything in between, stay connected and YOU can make THE difference at Rec Sports.

We love to keep in touch with our friends and supporters, and we can also help you reconnect with friends you made through Rec Sports. Keep your contact information up-to-date by visiting our website (recsports.tamu.edu) and clicking on Reconnect with Rec Sports (under the Development

Reachingyou

GivingBACK

REC Contributions

& Sponsors menu). You can also contact us directly by email at jwelford@rec.tamu.edu.

Department of Recreational Sports Texas A&M University 4250 TAMU College Station, TX 77843-4250

FEATURING REC REC REC REC REC REC

Promise: The Importance of Giving Back Honor: Mike Waldron Spotlight: Rec Center Facelift Pride: Keeping in Touch Action: Sport Club Updates Contributions: How to Help

recsports.tamu.edu Volume 3, Issue 1 Spring 2009

REC Promise

REC Action Excellence

Meet us at the Rec! Project Manager / Design: Josh Collins

REC Life

TEAM

Writing Assistants: Andrea N. Roberts, Shanna Brown, and Haley Wilcox Communications Coordinator: Michelle Briggs Marketing Director: Connor Heim Associate Director

of

Development: James Welford

Howdy!

James Welford

Keeping the Student Recreation Center looking like new has been the responsibility of all users and the staff of the department. For the first time ever, the Rec Center was closed over the holiday season to allow for maintenance, repairs and painting. The teal colors are gone and replaced by Aggie colors. The facility looks great!

A special “Thanks and Gig’Em” goes out to all former staff and friends of the department who have provided donations. Even in tough economic times, donors are supporting the mission of the department by giving back. Most donations are small in amount, however, each donation carries the great appreciation of our students and staff. Remember that no amount is too small. For more information on how to give, contact me at 979-862-1856, or by e-mail at jwelford@rec.tamu.edu.

Thanks and Gig’Em!

c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c

COMPETE AND BETTER YOURSELF c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c

Sport Clubs Updates

and accomplishments from some of our most successful clubs this year...

Tom Reber

Associate Vice President of Student Affairs

Greetings

FROM...

2

RecLife

written by josh collins

Associate vice president of student affairs Tom Reber understands the importance of modeling a healthy, balanced lifestyle.

“Obviously people want to be successful, but striking a balance between work and recreation is the best way to stay happy,” said Reber.

Reber believes in addition to a healthy lifestyle, one of the best things Rec Sports offers to students is the chance to develop and grow as leaders at Texas A&M. “Rec Sports student employees are trusted with keys to multi-million dollar facilities, and what is more is that after full-time staff members leave for the day, it’s up to the students to run everything,” said Reber. “Working at the Rec is a real challenge, and it is definitely what you make of it.”

In 1982, he began with the Intramural Department training officials. Reber moved up within the Department and within The Division of Student Affairs, and his responsibilities changed, but his respect for Recreational Sports remained strong.

“Former students and former employees should be proud knowing that they are investing in a top quality department and that their money will go to good use,” Reber reflected.

Reber encourages former students who have moved on from Rec Sports and experienced success to give back to the Department that gave them their start.

Get Connected. Stay Connected. Keep the Aggie Spirit alive.

7

Women’s Gymnastics National Champions Renee McEntire - Women’s Gymnastics 2nd Place Nationals All-Around Competition Women’s Volleyball National Semi-finalists Ice Hockey Finished Season with 20-5-1 Record Judo 4th Place at Nationals Pistol Team 3rd Place - Stand Pistol Event - NRA Intercollegiate Pistol Championships Powerlifting 3rd Place Overall at Nationals

Modeling a Balanced, Healthy Lifestyle l Integrity l Service l Respect l Quality l Leadership

REC Pride Flashback on 26 years of Commitment to Texas A&M Rec Sports 2.2005 – Present:

c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c

DO MORE WITH REC

SPORT New Rec Sports Employee

Fall Reunion

Each semester we have the pleasure of welcoming new members of the Rec Sports family. This semester, we are very proud to introduce the following new employee:

@ the home football game vs.

Oklahoma State

Daniel Sterling Building Maintenance Mechanic

October 10

Rec Sports Tailgate RecLife

begins 2 hours before every home football game

6

2.2004 – 1.2005:

Interim Senior Associate Director

5.2000 – 2.2004:

Associate Director, Intramurals and Sport Clubs

1.1998 – 5.2000:

Associate Director, Intramurals

8.1992 – 5.1998:

Assistant Director, Facility Manager

9.1985 – 7.1992:

Assistant Director, Intramurals

9.1983 – 8.1985:

Coordinator, Intramurals

REC S

c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c

Welcome

Associate Director, Business Services

in front of the Rec Center

Excellence

REC Honor

Dedication

Long-time Rec Sports Employee, Mike Waldron

In 1983 Mike Waldron embarked on what he thought would be a two to three year adventure at Texas A&M Rec Sports. Twenty-six years later he finds himself at home in Aggieland, offering guidance to both Aggies and Rec Sports associates across the nation.

Waldron’s commitment to Texas A&M stems from its student body. “Everyone always tells me their students Sports are the greatest, however, I know that I have the privilege of working with the best student body in the country,” Waldron said.

MORE THAN A JOB. A LIFESTYLE. He exhibits not only commitment to Texas A&M Rec Sports, but to Rec Sports on a national level as well. written by andrea n. roberts Waldron was selected to serve as President-elect of the National Intramural-Recreational Sports Association at the 2009 annual conference. He will serve in this role the current year, then will serve as President in 2010.

Waldron recognizes the contributions of students at the national level. At the 2009 NIRSA conference 800 of the 2,000 participants were students.

“The most unique thing about NIRSA is the active involvement and outreach we have with students,” Waldron said.

During the upcoming year Waldron plans to learn more about the intricacies of NIRSA, prepare for serving as President, support NIRSA initiatives and learn from the past-President. His biggest goal? Listening. “Too often in organizations we do things because we have always done them, because it’s what you’re supposed to do,” Waldron said. “The most important skill is listening to as many members as possible.”

As Waldron gears up for new responsibilities, his attitude stays the same. “The one thing you get to choose every single day is your attitude. Some days it’s a bigger challenge than others,” Waldron said. “I’m fortunate. I work with colleagues that are supportive and fun. I get to do things I love to do. I have a job that I love.”

NIRSA Highlights • NIRSA has active members on 825+ college and university campuses. Over 1,000 students are members of NIRSA. • Each year 1.1 million students engage in intramural sports on campuses nationwide.

• The NIRSA Foundation issues the Recreational Sports Journal as a scholarly research publication for the field.

• More than 2 million students participate in sport clubs across the U.S. • A total of nearly 11 million students use recreational sport facilities at NIRSA member schools each year.

Get Connected. Stay Connected. Keep the Aggie Spirit alive.

3

Modeling a Balanced, Healthy Lifestyle l Integrity l Service l Respect l Quality l Leadership

REC Spotlight

Rec Center Facelift It was 1994, and after several years of anticipation, the new Student Recreation Center opened to rave reviews. The world-class building and surrounding grounds would serve as the flagship facility for Rec Sports. The design palette – a mélange of teal, purple, cobalt blue, canary yellow and lipstick pink – was exciting and fashionable… at the time. Fifteen years and hundreds of thousands of Aggies later, the Rec was looking a little dated, and director Dennis Corrington decided the time was right to update the facility with a traditional Fightin’ Texas Aggie color palette of Aggie Maroon and shades of gray. Now, more than ever, Ags are pumped up to beat the hell outta unhealthy living!

In addition to the updated color scheme, this year nearly 30 new flat-screen TVs have been installed throughout the Rec Center to make workouts more entertaining. Part of the TV installation was the incorporation of RecTV, a private television network that allows us to program music videos, broadcast TV, and advertisements of Rec Sports programs. One especially exciting feature is that local and national businesses now have the opportunity to advertise onscreen and reach one of the largest student markets in the nation.

“We are very excited about RecTV and partnering with local businesses to increase awareness among students and staff of upcoming programs and events,” said Connor Heim, Rec Sports marketing director.

The largest concentration of the TV installations is in the weight and fitness room, where 18 of the new TVs are located. This means lots of channels to watch… but what about sound? Enter Cardio Theatre! Cardio Theatre consists of small machine-mounted units that allow users to plug in their headsets and tune into the television channels to pick up the audio. Hitting the treadmill has never been more fun!

If you haven’t been to the Rec recently, come in today to check out our new and improved facility. You’re gonna love what you see!

Kacie Wilcox Barbay

In January of 2001, Kacie Wilcox Barbay received the position of Student Assistant to James Welford, then Assistant to the Director.

“I began searching for a student assistant, and within twenty minutes Kacie showed up Leadership Development at my door,” said James. in Former Student Employees Kacie’s duties involved organizing annual Rec Sports reunions, promoting alumni relawritten by haley wilcox tions, and administrative work. However, her biggest responsibility was managing the Walk of Champions program, a scholarship brick campaign that allows donors to purchase bricks to be placed in front of the Rec Center to commemorate their or their loved one’s time at A&M. “The Walk of Champions taught me the Let’s face it: Aggies have a distinctive bond to one another and to their importance of organization, responsibility, and university. For many, the opportunity to stay connected to the campus leadership in taking charge of such a large projcontinues long after they graduate, get jobs, start families, and eventually, ect,” Kacie said. To date, the program has raised retire. Rec Sports offers a unique opportunity for Ags to be permanently over $300,000. connected to the campus: the Walk of Champions.

With the valuable leadership skills she received, Walk of Champions is our special brick program that allows Aggies to Kacie graduated from the Mays Business School have their names permanently etched into the landscape of Texas A&M. The in 2004 and attended Baylor Law School that fall. program was formed to create an endowment to ensure Texas A&M continues Three years later, she graduated from law school and to have the best recreational sports facilities and programs in the country. accepted a position as an Associate at Bracewell & “I received a Walk of Champions brick as a graduation gift from my Giuliani, LLP law firm in Dallas. parents. It’s very special for me to have my name etched in stone on camShe and her husband, Kevin, are currently expectpus to serve as a lasting memory of my time at Texas A&M,” said Dana ing their first child, a little girl, in August.

Endres, ’08, MS ’09. “Having worked at the Rec Center for three years, I When remembering her time at Rec Sports, Kacie can personally see the effect the endowment fund has on students and its said, “It gave me the confidence and experience that importance to the longevity of this organization.”

I needed to become a successful professional in the To learn more about getting your own brick in the Walk of Champions, business community.” contact James Welford at 979.862.1856 or email champions@rec.tamu.edu.

We at Rec Sports wish Kacie the best of luck with written by connor heim all of her future endeavors!

Excellence

REC Pride

5

Walk of Champions

written by shanna brown

4

RecLife

Keep in Touch

Here at Rec Sports, relationships make the difference! We love to keep in touch with former staff members and Sport Club members. If that’s you, visit our website (recsports.tamu.edu) and click on Reconnect with Rec Sports (under the Development & Sponsors menu). We will keep you upto-date on reunions, games, tailgating and more!

Get Connected. Stay Connected. Keep the Aggie Spirit alive.

Modeling a Balanced, Healthy Lifestyle l Integrity l Service l Respect l Quality l Leadership

REC Spotlight

Rec Center Facelift It was 1994, and after several years of anticipation, the new Student Recreation Center opened to rave reviews. The world-class building and surrounding grounds would serve as the flagship facility for Rec Sports. The design palette – a mélange of teal, purple, cobalt blue, canary yellow and lipstick pink – was exciting and fashionable… at the time. Fifteen years and hundreds of thousands of Aggies later, the Rec was looking a little dated, and director Dennis Corrington decided the time was right to update the facility with a traditional Fightin’ Texas Aggie color palette of Aggie Maroon and shades of gray. Now, more than ever, Ags are pumped up to beat the hell outta unhealthy living!

In addition to the updated color scheme, this year nearly 30 new flat-screen TVs have been installed throughout the Rec Center to make workouts more entertaining. Part of the TV installation was the incorporation of RecTV, a private television network that allows us to program music videos, broadcast TV, and advertisements of Rec Sports programs. One especially exciting feature is that local and national businesses now have the opportunity to advertise onscreen and reach one of the largest student markets in the nation.

“We are very excited about RecTV and partnering with local businesses to increase awareness among students and staff of upcoming programs and events,” said Connor Heim, Rec Sports marketing director.

The largest concentration of the TV installations is in the weight and fitness room, where 18 of the new TVs are located. This means lots of channels to watch… but what about sound? Enter Cardio Theatre! Cardio Theatre consists of small machine-mounted units that allow users to plug in their headsets and tune into the television channels to pick up the audio. Hitting the treadmill has never been more fun!

If you haven’t been to the Rec recently, come in today to check out our new and improved facility. You’re gonna love what you see!

Kacie Wilcox Barbay

In January of 2001, Kacie Wilcox Barbay received the position of Student Assistant to James Welford, then Assistant to the Director.

“I began searching for a student assistant, and within twenty minutes Kacie showed up Leadership Development at my door,” said James. in Former Student Employees Kacie’s duties involved organizing annual Rec Sports reunions, promoting alumni relawritten by haley wilcox tions, and administrative work. However, her biggest responsibility was managing the Walk of Champions program, a scholarship brick campaign that allows donors to purchase bricks to be placed in front of the Rec Center to commemorate their or their loved one’s time at A&M. “The Walk of Champions taught me the Let’s face it: Aggies have a distinctive bond to one another and to their importance of organization, responsibility, and university. For many, the opportunity to stay connected to the campus leadership in taking charge of such a large projcontinues long after they graduate, get jobs, start families, and eventually, ect,” Kacie said. To date, the program has raised retire. Rec Sports offers a unique opportunity for Ags to be permanently over $300,000. connected to the campus: the Walk of Champions.

With the valuable leadership skills she received, Walk of Champions is our special brick program that allows Aggies to Kacie graduated from the Mays Business School have their names permanently etched into the landscape of Texas A&M. The in 2004 and attended Baylor Law School that fall. program was formed to create an endowment to ensure Texas A&M continues Three years later, she graduated from law school and to have the best recreational sports facilities and programs in the country. accepted a position as an Associate at Bracewell & “I received a Walk of Champions brick as a graduation gift from my Giuliani, LLP law firm in Dallas. parents. It’s very special for me to have my name etched in stone on camShe and her husband, Kevin, are currently expectpus to serve as a lasting memory of my time at Texas A&M,” said Dana ing their first child, a little girl, in August.

Endres, ’08, MS ’09. “Having worked at the Rec Center for three years, I When remembering her time at Rec Sports, Kacie can personally see the effect the endowment fund has on students and its said, “It gave me the confidence and experience that importance to the longevity of this organization.”

I needed to become a successful professional in the To learn more about getting your own brick in the Walk of Champions, business community.” contact James Welford at 979.862.1856 or email champions@rec.tamu.edu.

We at Rec Sports wish Kacie the best of luck with written by connor heim all of her future endeavors!

Excellence

REC Pride

5

Walk of Champions

written by shanna brown

4

RecLife

Keep in Touch

Here at Rec Sports, relationships make the difference! We love to keep in touch with former staff members and Sport Club members. If that’s you, visit our website (recsports.tamu.edu) and click on Reconnect with Rec Sports (under the Development & Sponsors menu). We will keep you upto-date on reunions, games, tailgating and more!

Get Connected. Stay Connected. Keep the Aggie Spirit alive.

Modeling a Balanced, Healthy Lifestyle l Integrity l Service l Respect l Quality l Leadership

REC Pride Flashback on 26 years of Commitment to Texas A&M Rec Sports 2.2005 – Present:

c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c

DO MORE WITH REC

SPORT New Rec Sports Employee

Fall Reunion

Each semester we have the pleasure of welcoming new members of the Rec Sports family. This semester, we are very proud to introduce the following new employee:

@ the home football game vs.

Oklahoma State

Daniel Sterling Building Maintenance Mechanic

October 10

Rec Sports Tailgate RecLife

begins 2 hours before every home football game

6

2.2004 – 1.2005:

Interim Senior Associate Director

5.2000 – 2.2004:

Associate Director, Intramurals and Sport Clubs

1.1998 – 5.2000:

Associate Director, Intramurals

8.1992 – 5.1998:

Assistant Director, Facility Manager

9.1985 – 7.1992:

Assistant Director, Intramurals

9.1983 – 8.1985:

Coordinator, Intramurals

REC S

c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c

Welcome

Associate Director, Business Services

in front of the Rec Center

Excellence

REC Honor

Dedication

Long-time Rec Sports Employee, Mike Waldron

In 1983 Mike Waldron embarked on what he thought would be a two to three year adventure at Texas A&M Rec Sports. Twenty-six years later he finds himself at home in Aggieland, offering guidance to both Aggies and Rec Sports associates across the nation.

Waldron’s commitment to Texas A&M stems from its student body. “Everyone always tells me their students Sports are the greatest, however, I know that I have the privilege of working with the best student body in the country,” Waldron said.

MORE THAN A JOB. A LIFESTYLE. He exhibits not only commitment to Texas A&M Rec Sports, but to Rec Sports on a national level as well. written by andrea n. roberts Waldron was selected to serve as President-elect of the National Intramural-Recreational Sports Association at the 2009 annual conference. He will serve in this role the current year, then will serve as President in 2010.

Waldron recognizes the contributions of students at the national level. At the 2009 NIRSA conference 800 of the 2,000 participants were students.

“The most unique thing about NIRSA is the active involvement and outreach we have with students,” Waldron said.

During the upcoming year Waldron plans to learn more about the intricacies of NIRSA, prepare for serving as President, support NIRSA initiatives and learn from the past-President. His biggest goal? Listening. “Too often in organizations we do things because we have always done them, because it’s what you’re supposed to do,” Waldron said. “The most important skill is listening to as many members as possible.”

As Waldron gears up for new responsibilities, his attitude stays the same. “The one thing you get to choose every single day is your attitude. Some days it’s a bigger challenge than others,” Waldron said. “I’m fortunate. I work with colleagues that are supportive and fun. I get to do things I love to do. I have a job that I love.”

NIRSA Highlights • NIRSA has active members on 825+ college and university campuses. Over 1,000 students are members of NIRSA. • Each year 1.1 million students engage in intramural sports on campuses nationwide.

• The NIRSA Foundation issues the Recreational Sports Journal as a scholarly research publication for the field.

• More than 2 million students participate in sport clubs across the U.S. • A total of nearly 11 million students use recreational sport facilities at NIRSA member schools each year.

Get Connected. Stay Connected. Keep the Aggie Spirit alive.

3

Modeling a Balanced, Healthy Lifestyle l Integrity l Service l Respect l Quality l Leadership

REC Promise

REC Action Excellence

Meet us at the Rec! Project Manager / Design: Josh Collins

REC Life

TEAM

Writing Assistants: Andrea N. Roberts, Shanna Brown, and Haley Wilcox Communications Coordinator: Michelle Briggs Marketing Director: Connor Heim Associate Director

of

Development: James Welford

Howdy!

James Welford

Keeping the Student Recreation Center looking like new has been the responsibility of all users and the staff of the department. For the first time ever, the Rec Center was closed over the holiday season to allow for maintenance, repairs and painting. The teal colors are gone and replaced by Aggie colors. The facility looks great!

A special “Thanks and Gig’Em” goes out to all former staff and friends of the department who have provided donations. Even in tough economic times, donors are supporting the mission of the department by giving back. Most donations are small in amount, however, each donation carries the great appreciation of our students and staff. Remember that no amount is too small. For more information on how to give, contact me at 979-862-1856, or by e-mail at jwelford@rec.tamu.edu.

Thanks and Gig’Em!

c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c

COMPETE AND BETTER YOURSELF c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c

Sport Clubs Updates

and accomplishments from some of our most successful clubs this year...

Tom Reber

Associate Vice President of Student Affairs

Greetings

FROM...

2

RecLife

written by josh collins

Associate vice president of student affairs Tom Reber understands the importance of modeling a healthy, balanced lifestyle.

“Obviously people want to be successful, but striking a balance between work and recreation is the best way to stay happy,” said Reber.

Reber believes in addition to a healthy lifestyle, one of the best things Rec Sports offers to students is the chance to develop and grow as leaders at Texas A&M. “Rec Sports student employees are trusted with keys to multi-million dollar facilities, and what is more is that after full-time staff members leave for the day, it’s up to the students to run everything,” said Reber. “Working at the Rec is a real challenge, and it is definitely what you make of it.”

In 1982, he began with the Intramural Department training officials. Reber moved up within the Department and within The Division of Student Affairs, and his responsibilities changed, but his respect for Recreational Sports remained strong.

“Former students and former employees should be proud knowing that they are investing in a top quality department and that their money will go to good use,” Reber reflected.

Reber encourages former students who have moved on from Rec Sports and experienced success to give back to the Department that gave them their start.

Get Connected. Stay Connected. Keep the Aggie Spirit alive.

7

Women’s Gymnastics National Champions Renee McEntire - Women’s Gymnastics 2nd Place Nationals All-Around Competition Women’s Volleyball National Semi-finalists Ice Hockey Finished Season with 20-5-1 Record Judo 4th Place at Nationals Pistol Team 3rd Place - Stand Pistol Event - NRA Intercollegiate Pistol Championships Powerlifting 3rd Place Overall at Nationals

Modeling a Balanced, Healthy Lifestyle l Integrity l Service l Respect l Quality l Leadership

R EC Life

“We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.”

-- Winston Churchill It’s through the generosity of friends that many present-day Aggies enjoy some of the finest recreational programs and clubs available on any university campus in the country. If you would like to support Rec Sports there are a number of ways you can help.

Visit us online at recsports.tamu.edu and select the Development and Sponsors menu. There, you can learn about our various endowments and other giving opportunities. Thank you for your support!

From working to working out and everything in between, stay connected and YOU can make THE difference at Rec Sports.

We love to keep in touch with our friends and supporters, and we can also help you reconnect with friends you made through Rec Sports. Keep your contact information up-to-date by visiting our website (recsports.tamu.edu) and clicking on Reconnect with Rec Sports (under the Development

Reachingyou

GivingBACK

REC Contributions

& Sponsors menu). You can also contact us directly by email at jwelford@rec.tamu.edu.

Department of Recreational Sports Texas A&M University 4250 TAMU College Station, TX 77843-4250

FEATURING REC REC REC REC REC REC

Promise: The Importance of Giving Back Honor: Mike Waldron Spotlight: Rec Center Facelift Pride: Keeping in Touch Action: Sport Club Updates Contributions: How to Help

recsports.tamu.edu Volume 3, Issue 1 Spring 2009