IMRS Says Recreation a Natural for Green

Handing out T-shirts made from organic cotton, using “green” cleaning chemicals, making a pledge to build a new facility with ecologically friendly concepts – all are features of an expanded emphasis on sustainability in the Intramural/Recreational Sports program at the University of Arkansas.
Craig Edmonston, director of IMRS, said recently the focus builds on the philosophy already ingrained in one of IMRS’ eight programs – Outdoor Connection Center. The center has long taught participants to treat the environment with respect to leave it better for the next generation.
 “Jennifer Hazelrigs (who directs the Outdoor Connection Center) became committed years ago to the environment through organizations such as Leave No Trace,” Edmonston explained. “That’s one thing that got me interested in doing more than what we were doing. If we have that philosophy for one program, why not expand it to all eight program areas?”
Leave No Trace, an educational nonprofit based in Boulder, Colo., is dedicated to the responsible enjoyment and active stewardship of the outdoors. Although its roots are in wilderness management, Leave No Trace has what’s called a “front country” program, too, Hazelrigs said, teaching people how to recycle and reuse products.
“Students have asked me to organize programming such as a one-day canoe trip where they clean up the river,” said Hazelrigs, who serves as Arkansas’ advocate for Leave No Trace. “They have gone from wanting a lazy river float to wanting to give back, to improve the environment.”
The IMRS program, which serves thousands of students, faculty and staff on campus and employs more than 300 students, has begun making a transition to using environmentally friendly cleaning products, replacing traditional television sets with flat screens that contribute less junk to landfills and encouraging recycling in its facilities. The 100 percent organic cotton T-shirts were given away at HYPE Night on Aug. 26.
Edmonston also found support for the green initiative when he and others in IMRS spoke last year with student groups about the need for a new facility for the recreation and exercise activities IMRS sponsors.
“When we started talking with students, they said, ‘yes, we’ll support you but the new facility should be green,’” he said. “Kids today are well aware of the ecological measures we need to take to protect the Earth. They see us possibly running out of resources during their lifetime.
“It’s also what we’re teaching in facility management and design,” he continued. “It’s more than a building; it’s the land use, too, and how to incorporate energy-saving concepts.
“We are trying to be an example for the students. We’re following the trend Jennifer started years ago by practicing what we preach.”

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Intramural Flag Football PodCast

This month’s PodCast highlights the Intramural Flag Football program.  Listen to an interview with an Intramural Official about his experiences in Flag Football and the upcoming Flag Football State Tournament.

 

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Find us on FaceBook

Become a fan of the Intramural/Recreational Sports FaceBook!  Come see what events we have coming up and look at photos of past events.  Start a discussion or post something on our wall!  We look forward to hearing from you.

 

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Greetings from the Outdoor Connection Center!

We are so excited for our fall line-up of programs.  All of our programs are available online as well as all prices for equipment rental. Come down to the OCC (HPER 102) and pick up a copy of the new brochure and while you’re here let us help outfit you for your next outdoor adventure. Fall is the perfect time to be outdoors!
Not feeling like getting outside, but still want to exercise and challenge yourself? Give the climbing wall a try! The climbing wall is for all skill levels and our helpful staff is there for you. The wall is located in HPER Gym 1. To practice technique and movement visit the bouldering wall in the OCC. Both are great alternatives when you want to spice up your workout!
Finally, we are excited to announce the second annual Josh Lantz Memorial Adventure Challenge! Josh was a dear friend of the OCC who passed away in December 2006. He was an avid cyclist and outdoor enthusiast and in his memory we created this event to promote safe outdoor recreation practice and have a ton of fun!  The challenge is set for October 17 & 18, 2008. It consists of four categories: climbing, canoeing, biking and trail running and is for all skill levels! Come by the Outdoor Connection Center for more information!

 

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Instructional Programs

IT’S NOT TOO LATE! All nine of our Instructional Program classes kick off this week and next week, but there is still time for you to sign up! New to the line-up of classes this year are Square Dance, Massage Techniques, and Asian Cooking. Enrollment is extended to one week after the first week of class. If your interest is in dancing, choose from Swing Dance, Square Dance, or Folkloric Belly Dance. If your interest is hands on, choose from Massage Techniques and Asian Cooking. If your interest is in the pool, check out Learn to Swim. If your interest is in martial arts, check out Tae Kwon Do. Information and registration details for each Instructional Program can be found on our website. Don’t miss your chance to try something different and learn something new!

 

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Special Events

Mark your calendar for the Intramural/Recreational Sports PRE-GAME PARTY in The Gardens on Razorback Road! On Friday, October 3^rd from 5:00-9:00pm the Pre-Game PARTY is the only place to be. IMRS will be celebrating with a little help from Fayetteville’s favorite party band ULTRA SUEDE.  The Pre-Game PARTY is free and open to the public. Besides great live music, the event will also include ice cream and prize giveaways. Get geared up for Saturday’s big game against Florida the night before! All Razorback fans are highly encouraged to attend.

 

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Bass Fishing Club takes home Championship

The Intramural/Recreational Sports Bass Fishing Club won the collegiate National Championships in Lewisville, Texas, September 16 - 20, 2008.  The tournament featured 194 anglers from 23 states and 51 schools of all sizes and conferences. For their efforts, the team won a grand prize of $14,000.

 

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Staff Highlight
New IMRS Graduate Assistants

 

Scott Dirksen graduated from the University of Northern Iowa in August 2008 with a B.A. in Leisure Youth and Human Services with an emphasis in programming and outdoor recreation.  Scott serves as the Graduate Assistant for the department of Intramural/Recreational Sports in the Outdoor Connection Center.  Scott received his wilderness first responder in August 2007.  He is also certified in CPR/ First Aid, Lifeguarding/Water park and Water Front, Oxygen Administration for Professional Rescuer, Water Safety Instruction, and Open Water Diver Scuba Certification.  Scott has been a member of the National Intramural Recreational Sports Association (NIRSA) and a member of the Association of Outdoor Recreation and Education for two years.  Scott served as the Iowa state student representative in 2007 for NIRSA.

 

Zach Plunkett, a native of Prescott, AR is the Graduate Assistant in charge of managing the Donna Axum Fitness Center. He received his Bachelors of Business Administration – Marketing Degree from Henderson State University in Arkadelphia, AR in August 2008. Zach is a certified Red Cross CPR-First Aid Instructor. He will be an AFAA certified Personal Trainer on September 28, 2008. He is currently pursuing an M.Ed in Recreation with a concentration in Sport Management and will graduate in August 2010. Zach plans to pursue a career in Sports Marketing. He enjoys a variety of athletic and fitness related activities.

Joe Sloan was born and raised in Fouke, Arkansas. He received a B.S. in Biology with a minor in Physical Science from the University of Central Arkansas in May 2008.  During his time at UCA, Joe served as a student mentor, resident assistant, and was a member of the IDEAL leadership program.  In 2005 he began his career as an intramural official and was named as an All-American flag football official in 2008.  Joe also began working as a high school official in football, basketball, and baseball during his undergraduate career.  In July 2008 he began his current position as the graduate assistant for intramural sports at the University of Arkansas and is currently pursuing his M Ed. in Recreation with a concentration on Sports Management with an anticipated graduation date of May 2010.  Joe is interested in pursuing a career involving intramural sports and officiating. His interests include college sports, going to Cardinals and Rangers games, officiating, and hanging with friends.

Alicia Stoll was born in St. Joseph, MO and raised in New Braunfels, TX.  She is a graduate of The University of Texas at Austin.  She received her .A. in Government and a minor from the Red McCombs School of Business in May 2008.  While at The University of Texas at Austin, Alicia began working in campus recreation as a Flag Football Intramural Official.  From 2005-2008 Alicia further ventured into Intramurals by becoming an Intramural Supervisor and later a Program Assistant.  In July 2008 Alicia began her current position as a Graduate Assistant of Intramural Sports at the University of Arkansas.  Alicia is currently working on her M.Ed in Recreation with an emphasis on Recreation Management and is anticipating a graduation date of May 2010.  Alicia is all about: college football, swimming, biking , watching movies and meeting new people.

Christopher Thompson, a native of San Antonio, Texas and graduate of Smithson Valley High School, received a B.S. in Exercise and Sports Science from Texas State University in 2008. While pursuing his undergraduate degree, he worked as a Resident Assistant, Conference Assistant, and Orientation Leader. After a short stint with the Texas State University Athletics Department, Christopher found his into Campus Recreation, more specifically within Club Sports as a supervisor in 2007. He is currently pursuing a M.Ed in Recreation with a concentration in Sport Management, and will graduate in May of 2010. Christopher currently serves as the graduate assistant for Sport Clubs.

Intramural/Recreational Sports, 225 HPER | University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR 72701 | 479.575.4646
imrs@uark.edu