REC Spring | 2015

Volume 6, Issue 1

LOVEat the Rec

COVER STORY:

Coming up NEXTHAPPENINGS & EVENTS

Scott WagnerAssistant Director

Facilities & Member Services

Grace Saldaña-RomeroBusiness Supervisor

Kelley ConsfordAdministrative Assistant

Kate HoulikFitness & Wellness

Coordinator

Sarah KouliavtsevPromotions & Sponsorships

Coordinator

Cody Kuykendall Intramural Sports & Camps

Coordinator

Travis LankfordSport Clubs & Camps

Coordinator

Jess VarlackAquatics & Safety

Coordinator

Jessica WaguespackEmployee Wellness

Coordinator

Steven WhitmanOutdoor Pursuits

Coordinator

Dan HarbuckOutdoor Pursuits

Challenge Course Manager

Graduate Assistants:Cory Eiffert - Facilities

John McElrath - Fitness & Wellness Miranda Minor - Fitness & WellnessRachel Nanez - Aquatics & Safety

Welcome to the latest edition of the Rec Insider!

It’s been a busy start to this semester and plenty of great things are happening at Campus Rec. We have Sport Clubs competing all over Texas, hundreds of students playing intramurals, thousands of students working out at the Rec and lots of great participation in fitness, outdoor pursuits and aquatics.

One of our newer programs, Employee Wellness, kicked off the first annual “Kick Axe Wellness Challenge” and we have 39 teams of four competing for five weeks in everyday activities that are meant to improve one’s total wellness. That is a great start for this program and we look forward to seeing who the winning team will be at our wrap up BBQ in March.

Read inside to learn some of the fantastic things that Campus Rec alumni are doing, as well as, learn some great tips to start a running program and even read up on a Campus Rec love story! On a different note, you can also read about the retirement of our long time Business Supervisor, Janice Casper. She has been such a significant part of the Campus Rec family for many years that it was certainly difficult to say goodbye. You can read about her contribution to us and check out the few pictures that she’d let us post J And needless to say we threw a big party to send her into retirement with style.

As always, we hope you all are doing well and continue to keep fond memories of your time here at Campus Recreation.

Axe’Em Jacks!

Ken Morton

FEBRUARY

MARCH

APRIL

{7th | CPR/AED with First Aid - Certification Class

14th | Moonlight Paddle 14th | Parents’ Night Out

17th | Learn to Swim - Session I Begins 22nd | NIRSA Day

7th | CPR/AED with First Aid - Certification Class11th | Wellness Fair

14th-21st | Spring Break Trips:Climbing the Ozarks & Canoeing the Wild Buffalo River

27th | Parents’ Night Out

1st | Little Jack Camp Registration7th | SFA Campus Rec Job Fair

11th | CPR/AED with First Aid - Certification Class14th | Learn to Swim - Session II Begins 11th | Annual SFA Earth Day Celebration

17th | Parents Night Out

From the Director

RECreateYourself.

Spring / 2015

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6 COVER STORY

05 /

Jarred Odom & Lauren Norwood

FEATURES +COVER STORIES

EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHTDECEMBER 2014 GRADUATES

08 / HITTING THE GROUND RUNNINGTIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL MARATHON

ALUMNI NEWS LAURA WALLING ‘82 LIGHTNING BOLTS

ANDREW UPSHAW BASS FISHING CLUB

12 / FAREWELL NOTE TO JANICE CASPER, BUSINESS SUPERVISOR

09 /

{

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

HOMECOMING 5K RUN/WALK DISC

GOLF TOURNAMENT

HOMECOMING TIE DYE

DIVISION WINNERS:Beginner - Connor

McAfee & Scott Davis

Intermediate - Mark Sowell & Grayson

Middlebrook

Advanced - Ken Morton & Cody

Kuykendall.

$200 was raised for the scholarship

fund. Oct 2014.FIRST PLACE RUNNER, Shawn Fische, crossed the finish line at 17:34 and, along with 82 other participants, helped raise $2,155 toward the Dr. Raymond Lee Worsham Scholarship Fund, Oct. 2014.

INTRAMURAL CHAMPS:

Women’s - Kami Stockett (bottom)

Men’s - Jon Copeland

Oct. 2014.

FIT JACK CHALLENGE

Over 500 shirts were tie dyed purple by students as part of Homecoming celebrations, Oct. 2014.

View more photos of recent events via Facebook!

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EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT

GRADS

MATTHEW BENGEMajor: Forestry Rec: Outdoor Pursuits

MACY CMAJDALKAMajor: Hospitality Rec: Aquatics

TIFFANY LEWISMajor: Kinesiology Rec: Service Assistant & Operations Manager

JENN BASHAMMajor: Health Science Rec: Wellness Intern & Group AXE Instructor

ADEOLA OLABODEMajor: NursingRec: IMS Game Supervisor

CHRIS CLAYMajor: Hospitality Rec: IMS Site Manager

SAM PEREZMajor: Graphic Design Rec: Graphic Designer

LAUREN NORWOODMajor: Education Rec: Operations Manager

DEMI ESTRELLOMajor: EducationRec: Operations Manager

ADELA ALCARAZMajor: Kinesiology Rec: Operations Manager

BRITTANY WADEMajor: NursingRec: Service Assistant

ASHLEY SIDNEYMajor: Com. Desorders Rec: Service Assistant

TIFFANY NORRISMajor: Nursing Rec: Service Assistant

HONOR HANSTADMajor: Education Rec: Operations Manager

Congratulations to our December 2014 Grads!

We wish you well as you begin a new chapter in your life, and welcome you to our Rec Alumni.

NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENTS

Campus Recreation DepartmentEMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH

SHEA COOPER

Administration

BETHANY WILLIAMS

Outdoor Pursuits

BO SLATON

Sport Clubs

SEPTEMBER

OCTOBER

NOVEMBER

NEW 2014 SPORT CLUBS

Lumberjack Quidditch ClubFounding President Morgan McGrathThe Mission is to develop a competitive, fun atmosphere in order to inspire young people to lead physically active and socially engaged lives.

SFA Ranch Horse Versatility Club Founding President RaeLynn Malm The Mission is to share knowledge of proper horsemanship and strengthen the community of horse lovers.

For Jarred Odom and Lauren Norwood, both SFA Campus Rec

Operation Managers as of Fall 2014, what began as a friendship has grown into five and a half years of admiration and genuine love for one another. And now, they begin preparations towards celebrating the promise of a lifetime.

HIGHSCHOOL SWEETHEARTSTheir story goes back farther than

their time as coworkers at the Rec; even before they each enrolled at SFA. It began at Mabank High School, when Jarred and Lauren were only 16 and 17 years old, respectively.

“We were at the point, when we

started dating, we were such good friends, we knew there was something there,” Norwood said. “Nobody is just really sure, you just have to try and it just built into that.”

When Lauren moved to Howard Payne University on a softball scholarship, the chemistry between them was the strong foundation a long distance relationship would need. Later that same year, a sport related injury left Lauren unable to continue playing softball -- and Lauren saw the silver lining: with Jarred getting ready to embark on his college career, they now had an opportunity to close WORKING TOGETHER

“It all just fell into place,” Lauren said. “You know, God puts us in a place for a reason and he always has a plan for us, and I MORE

Courtship blossoms into engagement

“IT’S GOOD TO BE

ABLE TO PUSH ONE ANOTHER, TO KNOW

SOMEBODY IS THERE TO HELP

YOU.”- JARRED ODOM

BY BELEN CASILLAS

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Photos by Belen Casillas

guess this was part of His plan.”

Together, they chose SFA, and in the Fall of 2012, they moved to Nacogdoches to begin their journey toward graduation and academic success. “At the time, we were going on 3 years. We came here together and it (the relationship) took off a little bit more,” Jarred said. “It got stronger after we moved here, and working at the Rec made it easier. It just got better and better each semester.”

During their time off, they enjoy working out together, pushing one another toward their fitness goals. “Whether it’s working out, school, or work. It’s good to be able to push one another, to know somebody’s there to help you, and that they trust in you and believe in what you can do,” Jarred said. “I feel that having a partner, like Lauren, to push me on certain things, really helps out.”

TYING THE KNOT On August 31st, 2014, Jarred

commemorated their five year anniversary by proposing. As you might have guessed, she said yes - and they will exchange their vows on Saturday, June 13, 2015, after both have finished they B.A’s. Lauren graduated December 2014 with her Elementary Education degree and Jarred will be graduating May 2015 with a degree in Criminal Justice.

Photos by Belen Casillas

Couple Jarred Odom and Lauren Norwood, will be tying the knot in the spring of 2015

FITNESS & WELLNESS

Hitting the

GROUNDRUNNING

BY CARYN BERKOWITZ

Sweat dripping down your face, knees throbbing, heart racing as the finish line appears in the hazy distance.

Adrenaline courses through your veins, distinguishing the fire in your joints.

All the months of training flash through your memory while you throw your arms up in victory as you cross the finish line of your first marathon. How do you get to that moment? Is it possible? Absolutely! Will it be difficult? More than likely. But, whether you are a novice runner or seasoned athlete, training for any kind of race, whether it is a 5K, 10K, half marathon, or full marathon, takes time and determination.

First, stay inspired and complete your goals. Remember why you started running in the first place. Keep a note on the fridge or next to your alarm clock of your goals or motivational quotes for those days when giving up seems MORE

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“EVEN ON THE DAY OF

THE RACE, REMEMBER

WHY YOU STARTED.”

- CARYN BERKOWITZ

easier than training. Incorporate variety into your training regimen to keep from becoming bored. Don’t forget to take those important rest days. Listen to your body and understand that running in pain is worse than taking a day for your body to recover. In fact, allowing time for your body to rest and replenishing with proper nutrition will reflect in stronger runs. Hydrating both before, during, and after a run can also determine a good run over a bad one. If you plan on running for more than one hour, consider carrying a water bottle. After a run, rehydrate with water or a sports drink within one hour after you get back. Hydration and nutrition are key elements when training for a race. If you are an ambitious runner training for a marathon, stock up on carbohydrates. Carbohydrates fuel your body with the energy it needs to go on those long distance runs.

Remember marathons are about endurance and pace. Before you take that leap into the world of runners, it is recommended that you can run for at least thirty minutes. Do not get discouraged if this is not you. Take it slow and start out with run/walks to acquaint your body to the exercise and minimize your chances of injury. Do interval runs: walking for a minute, running for two minutes, walking for a minute, running for three minutes, and so on. Each week, increase the time you run. At first, distance is not important. Instead, focus on building stamina and remember: going for eight mile jogs will come with time. As you train, steadily increase mileage with your longest runs no more than twenty miles.

Before a race, it is wise to taper off and give your body time to rest and recover. This will help you feel strong and prepared on race day.Even on the day of the race, remember why you started training several months ago. Is the race bib pinned to your shirt for your mom, dad, brother, sister, grandparent, or for you and your journey to a healthier and happier life? Whatever the reason is for running, keep it in your mind with each mile you pass. As you begin training, remember to stay motivated, make a plan, listen to your body, eat nutritious foods, and have fun. It’s time to hit the ground running.

For more tips and information on training for marathons, half marathons,

or 10Ks visit: www.baa.org.

ALUMNI NEWS

Hookedon Success on

Andrew UpshawQ & A WITH SFA ALUMNI AND FORMER REC’ S BASS CLUB MEMBER

Andrew Upshaw is currently living in Tulsa, OK as a marketing manager at Dollahom PR and is a full-time professional fisherman on the Wal-Mart FLW Tour. He graduated frpm SFA in August of

2011, earning a B.A in Marketing. He was an active member in the SFA Bass Club for four years.

Q: What’s your fondest memory of participating in the Bass Club?

A: It was always nice getting to hang out with the whole bass team and spend time with so many likeminded individuals. We always had a good time on and off the water. Fondest memory on the water was winning the National Championship with fellow team member/best friend Ryan Watkins. I was also blessed to be the very first college qualified angler for the Bassmaster Classic.

Q: What skill/talents did you acquire during your time with the Bass Club?

A: First and foremost the skills I acquired fishing in the club were invaluable for me fishing as a professional. Although I’ve leaned a lot of lessons on the water since college, the lessons I learned in college got me where I am today.

Q: How did being in the Bass Club prepare you for life after college?

A: I have always been competitive by nature, but the bass team made me that much more competitive. In business you have to always try and out work everyone, and in the Bass Team it was the same. If I wanted to win, I had to put more time in.

Q: What updates about your life would you like to share with fellow SFA Rec alumni?

A: I will be entering into my 4th year as a professional fisherman. More so than anything I want to thank two professors that always supported my dream and help mold me into the marketer I am today. Thank you Dr. Kahla and Dr. Allen!

Courtsey Photos

(TOP) Upshaw fishing for Bassmaster Classic.

(MIDDLE) Upshaw showing his catch

on the Wal-Mart

FLW Tour.

(BOTTOM) SFA Alumni Ryan Watkins(left,) Larry Upshaw (middle,)and Andrew Upshaw (right,) pose for a picture at the Bassmaster

Classic qualifications.

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BOLTSLightning

“PLAYING IMS AT SFA

INTRODUCED ME TO

RECREATION AS A CAREER.”

- LAURA WALLING

IMS Team 1982 INTRAMURALCHAMPS

Q & A WITH SFA ALUMNI AND INTRAMURAL SPORT CHAMP

LAURA WALLING

Laura Walling is currently living in Starkville, MS as director of

Recreational Sports for Mississippi State University. She majored in

Health and Physical Education and graduated with her bachelor’s in December 1978, later earning her

master’s in May of 1983.

Q: What Intramural Sports did you participate in?

A: All of them! Flag football, softball, basketball, volleyball, 3-on-3, flickerball, washers, tennis, racquetball.

Q: IMS Sport Name(s) and Semester(s)/Year(s) you were Champ:

A: Gosh, it’s been so long ago, I really don’t remember, but I do know I had quite a collection of IM Champion t-shirts in every color when I left Nacogdoches.

Q: What’s your fondest memory of playing Intramural Sports?

A: The friendships that developed. I’m still close friends with some of my former team mates and Facebook friends with others. And, going to Rita’s after games to celebrate or drown our sorrows (I understand that Rita’s has now closed. Too bad!)

Q: How did playing with a team prepare you for life after college?

A: Playing intramural sports at SFA introduced me to recreation as a career. In addition to playing every sport, I also worked for the department as an undergraduate, and did a little bit of everything - intramural sports official, intramural supervisor, equipment checkout, lifeguard, facility supervisor. Eventually I became a graduate assistant, and then an intramural coordinator. As a result of my experiences working with the Rec department at SFA, I became an assistant director, and, eventually, the director of the recreation department at Mississippi State University. I owe a great debt to Dr. Worsham for giving me the opportunity to work for him and learn more about being a campus recreation professional.

Axe ‘em, Jacks and Hail State!

W hen Janice Casper set foot inside the Intramural Department in 1980, she had only one mission: to do the best she could in the position she earned. But never in her wildest dreams did she envision herself pouring

35 years of her life into the organization, becoming the beating heart of the SFA Student Recreation Center. Over the last three and a half decades, her caring, gentle, and thoughtful spirit has reached hundreds of students, staff and faculty members.

Her early days as a secretary, during Director Dr. Raymond Worsham’s leadership, encompassed a variety of job roles - from answering phones to sport team sign-ups to designing flyers. Shortly after, she began managing students and working alongside professional staff. Now retiring as the Business Supervisor, Janice has been the right hand to Director Ken Morton and highly valued by all. Her ability to connect with those around her at a personal level has inspired many throughout her tenure at SFA. Many consider her to be one of the best of friends; to this day Janice still keeps in touch with students she has mentored through her 35 years of service. “I really enjoyed getting to know the students and working with them,” Janice said, “they all have a special place in my heart.”

She witnessed the Intramural Department merge with Sport Clubs, and later in 2006 grow into a full campus recreation program. Janice played a key factor in the successful transitions of these programs and also in many of the Campus Rec alumni success stories, including more than six weddings and plenty of students ushered into professional careers over the years. She connected with and encouraged students and staff alike - all while keeping the Recreation Center running efficiently.

Janice’s advice to all who knocked at her door was to take responsibility, be accountable, give it your all, and be proud of it. And her plans after retiring in January? To catch-up on personal projects, await her husband’s retirement, and then travel across the country for pure pleasure!

When it comes to the gratitude our Rec family has toward Janice, words do not suffice. Her dedication and hard work ethic is instilled within the core of the program and infused inside each of her students and co-

workers. We wish Janice Casper the best in all of her future endeavors!

Janice Casper

“I really enjoyed getting to know the students and working with them,” Casper said.

13

This scholarshipis 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.

T he Stephen F. Austin State University Campus Recreation Department is excited to announce the creation of the Dr.

Raymond Lee Worsham Scholarship.

FOR MORE INFORMATION about the Dr.

Raymond Lee Worsham Scholarship

contact Promotions & Sponsorships Coordinator

Sarah Kouliavtsev at (936) 468.5844

or via email Kouliavtsg@sfasu.edu

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.