ANNUAL reporT
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse
recreational sports dePartment
Let’s Play
2011-12 Annual Report 1
Let’s Play
The Recreational Sports Department is committed
to improving the physical, social, educational, and
recreational needs of the UW-La Crosse community
by providing positive experiences and modern
facilities, which nurture appreciation of and
participation in lifetime a c t i v i t i e s.
PROGRAM AREAS
C L I M B I N G WA L L
CLUB SPORTS
FITNESS CLASSES
INTRAMURALS
I N F O R M A L R E C R E AT I O N
INSTRUCTIONAL PROGRAMS
OUTDOOR CONNECTION
PERSONAL TRAINING
R E C R E AT I O N A L E A G L E C E N T E R
SPECIAL EVENTS
STRENGTH CENTER
Cover: Ski and Snowboard Club at Copper
2 UW-La Crosse
Rec Sports Department
Mountain Ski Resort
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION
3
Introduction
2011-2012 could be considered a time of transition as we entered the year facing
five major initiatives:
1. Merge with the REC Strength Center;
2. Addition of Dennis, Erin and Jenny to the professional staff;
3. New online intramural registration process through IMLeagues;
4. Initiation of CBord with Micros cash register and photo ID management; and
5. Full implementation of HRS.
5
Major Accomplishments
6
Student Development
10
Facilities 12
Informal Recreation
14
Fitness Programs
16
Instructional Programs
Overall, these initiatives were implemented successfully. Word of mouth from
student users is that they are extremely pleased with the new alignment of the
Strength Center that has eliminated membership fees and has added equipment
upstairs. Dennis, Erin and Jenny have quickly become valuable assets to our
team and have done phenomenal work in providing positive recreational opportunities for UW-L. IMLeagues took off without a hitch due to Ryan’s organizational skills and innovative promotion of the new software program. After some
lengthy training and growing pains, CBord has proven to be a benefit to our daily
operation. Utilizing photos for access is fantastic and has reduced ID abuse. HRS
is an administrative challenge for most on campus, yet a method for students to
punch in and out on a web-based program.
18
Special Events
20
Marketing & Promotions
22
Climbing Wall
24
Beyond these initiatives, we have continued to provide quality customer service
and offer great opportunities, programs, events, and trips as well as exceptional
hands-on development and training for our student staff. The REC continues to
be a hub on campus, providing a safe and motivating environment for students
to gather and to recreate. Even after 15 years, it’s still looking good and clean, as
kindly reflected in the personal note below:
To the “Eagle Recreational Center” Custodial Staff:
Outdoor Connection
Thank you for keeping the Rec in such great condition. Whenever I go in to work out,
you always have the facilities exceptionally clean. As a student and gym member,
26
I really appreciate the fact that I can walk in at any time of the day and not have to
Club Sports
worry about any sort of mess. You all do a fantastic job.
28
Intramural Sports
Thank you very much, Mitch M.
32
Read further in this report to learn more Recreational Sports success stories!
Strength Center
34
Wellness
P.S. Get your smart phone scanning app and scan the QR (quick response) codes placed throughout this report to view some of the videos produced this year.
36
List Of Partners
2011-12 Annual Report 3
Watch the video
Play should not be looked
at as a waste of time
but an investment
into one’s wellbeing
Recreation Management, Oct. 2010
4 UW-La Crosse Rec Sports Department
MAJOR ACCOMPLISHMENTS
 The Emergency Response Team conducted
presentations at state, regional and national
conferences involving students, pro staff members and
alums
 Student Development implemented pilot customer
service program called BEST (building exceptional
service together)
 The REC experienced a 17% decreased electricity
use thanks to retrofitted lighting
 Rec Sports successfully merged with the Strength
Center
 Instructional Programs implemented ACE (American
Council on Exercise) Examination Preparation Courses
for group fitness instructor and personal training
 Increased Turkey Trot sponsorship value by 42%
from $6550 in 2010 to $9300 in 2011
 Marketing and Promotions produced 25 unique
videos, which increased YouTube views by 370%
reaching nearly 13,000
 The Climbing Wall co-founded WICS (Wisconsin
Indoor Climbing Series) along with UW-Oshkosh, UWEau Claire and UW-Stevens Point
 The Outdoor Connection created a partnership with
Res Life to offer an outdoor themed Living Learning
Community that will begin Fall 2012
Collegiate Volleyball Federation Division 2 National
Champions in Kansas City, MO for the second
consecutive year
 Waterski Club qualified for the D1 National
Championship in Louisiana after going undefeated
in four local tournaments, including the Great Plains
Conference Championship and the Midwest Regional
Championship. The club was awarded the 2011
National Collegiate Waterski Association Team of the
Year Award
 Intramural Sports launched IMLeagues, an internet
based program giving students the power to check
schedules, change rosters, and email teammates seamlessly without incident
 Intramural Sports experienced record highs in
number of participants, participations, and contests
played
The Strength Center remodeled the existing space
which included a new ceiling, paint, flat screen
monitors, and new equipment
The Strength Center reorganized and purchased
new equipment to develop 5 functional workout
spaces: cardio, core, strength circuit, treadmill area, and
free weight area
 The Rec Sports Department partnered with over 40
different organizations and groups
 Men’s Club Volleyball was crowned National
2011-12 Annual Report 5
STUDENT DEVELOPMENT
6 UW-La Crosse Rec Sports Department
More than a job, more than
employees..... it is a home, and they
are my family. chelsey Nesset, csr, 3 years on staff
As indicated in exit surveys by staff members who
are not returning next year, employment with the
UW-L Recreational Sports Department continues
to be an opportunity to gain hands-on experience,
develop skills and build lifetime relationships. 39
students completed the exit survey, 17 of which were
from the Strength Center. Since the Strength Center
is new to the department and the merge created a
new environment and culture, responses have been
separated out for analysis this year. The following
percentages agreed or strongly agreed that the skills
listed improved as a result of their employment:
100% 90% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0% Strength Center Staff (17) so
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ERT presentations were made
at state, regional and national
conferences involving students,
pro staff members and alums
Implemented pilot customer
service program called BEST
(Building Exceptional Service
Together)
Included Strength Center in
the employment process with
application, first and second round
interviews
Employed approximately
235 students with 4% diversity
(excludes 9 students who chose
not to indicate ethnicity)
Hired 30 new 2012-13 service
staff members with 21% diversity
4 students attended NIRSA
Conference in Tampa Bay;
6 students attended WIRSA
Conference; 8 students attended
Lead On
3 students were awarded WIRSA
student development scholarships
2 undergraduate students were
hired as graduate assistants at the
University of West Florida
1 undergraduate student served
as the Wisconsin Student State
Representative
Co
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
OVERVIEW
COMMENTS
FROM OUR STAFF
“My experience as a Graduate Assistant has allowed me
to gain the skills and knowledge necessary to be prepared
to enter a career in campus outdoor recreation. Without
this experience, I feel that my graduate program would not
nearly have been sufficient enough to prepare me for the
field. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THIS EXPERIENCE!!!”
“My experience at this very quality institution and
department goes well beyond learning work necessary
skills. I have gained lasting relationships, transferable life
skills, confidence and tools to enter a professional career
in recreation and an even deeper passion for developing
student leaders and providing successful programs to
students across campus.”
“Working at the REC has been an incredible experience. I
have learned a lot, grown as a leader, and have been able
to see the impact the REC has on the UW-L campus. I really
was a part of a family, and I plan to continue to provide
students a positive experience through the REC at any time
I can.”
“I loved the overall experience that I got as a staff member
for Rec Sports. There were so many opportunities that
I was able to take advantage of here that I don’t think I
would have gotten anywhere else. The ability to become
involved in such a variety of aspects of the department
with committees and events definitely helped me to grow
personally and professionally and helped lead me towards
the career path I want to pursue. I absolutely love the
relationships that I was able to build here with the people
that I was lucky enough to work with and those that came
in to use the facility. If it weren’t for my position with Rec
Sports I would not have made all the wonderful friends I
have or be where I am today.”
The following statements summarize the entire
Recreational Sports employment experience:
“I have enjoyed the job and working with so many different
people. My experience here has been unforgettable. I don’t
2011-12 Annual Report 7
STUDENT DEVELOPMENT continued
know what I would do without the support, encouragement, guidance, experiences
and mentoring from the professional staff. I appreciate everything the department
has done for me. It has been an amazing experience. The people I’ve met here
have been outstanding and I have made great relationships with my coworkers.
The department and people have been understanding, caring, knowledgeable,
enthusiastic, reassuring, and absolutely wonderful to me. I am going to miss the
Rec so much! It’s going to be very sad to leave here and move for Florida. It’s very
bitter sweet. I will always love the Rec and have aspecial place for it in my heart! :)”
“I love Rec Sports in general. It is truly a family. There is a huge support system in
place and it is not very often that someone slips through the cracks. Rec Sports
does not just prepare their employees to serve the patrons of the REC, but instead
encourages their student staff to prepare for their futures. “
“I have learned so many life skills here that have helped me develop into the person
that I am today, and I am successful in large part because of the time and effort Rec
Sports put into me.”
“ I love the interactions between all staff members and the professional
development opportunity regardless of one’s major. I appreciate that the
professional staff places a large emphasis on being a student first and a person’s
well being. Rec Sports facilitates lasting friendships, awesome memories,
preparation for the futures, and respectful individuals.”
“I have really enjoyed the camaraderie that comes along with working in Rec
Sports. Everyone is looking out for one another and it truly is a family. I have
enjoyed being pushed to be better at what I am doing, gaining experience, and
taking on more responsibility. Working with SAC and the SOA has really made a
difference in my experience with Rec Sports. I am really going to miss this place, it is
going to be tough to leave. I have developed friendships, experience, and qualities
that will be with me for the rest of my life. I have truly loved my time with Rec Sports
and I never want to see it come to an end. Rec Sports is a team above all.”
“As I said in my initial interview, from the moment I arrived on campus and came
into the REC I felt welcomed, at home, and a part of something. The REC has been
such an amazing opportunity for me and I can not thank every single one of the
pro staff enough. Allowing me to grow as an individual but also as a professional
in the field of campus recreation has been tremendous as I continue on with my
journey. Giving me leadership opportunities but also trusting me with many other
things in the REC has helped me in so many ways.”
STUDENT COMMITTEES
Three student-based committees continue to be the foundation of staff
leadership and accomplishments. The Student Advisory Council (SAC)
had a solid core of returners with many years of experience who led the
way for three new committee members, including the Strength Center
representative. While the majority of time was spent on employment, the
committee established a new food policy for the department, revisited
the no cell phone policy with each position area and laid the ground work
toward procedures for students to earn raises that will be initiated next
year. The employment process continues to be a bittersweet challenge as
the number of applications increases annually. Due to conversation with
SAC and the pro staff, we will discuss the possibility of group interviews
for first round with the potential of a pilot program for the Outdoor
Connection and climbing wall hires. Inclusion of the Strength Center with
the entire employment process went exceptionally well as candidates
completed an application and went through first and second round
interviews.
The SMILE (Students Motivated by Integrity, Leadership, and Enthusiasm)
Committee experienced new leadership by Erin as part of her event
coordinator role. Their greatest accomplishment includes the planning of
our all-staff gatherings for the Holiday Party and the RECspys, which was
held in Cartwright Center for the first time ever. Social gatherings continue
to be a challenge during the academic year. This committee also initiated
the “letters” program that attempted to provide peer recognition, displayed
in the kitchen area. As in the past, this program was not strongly embraced
as only a few staff members participated. Further discussions will take
place regarding the incentive/recognition piece, with the possibility of
moving that to the projected BEST Committee.
The Emergency Response Team (ERT) picked up right where it left off, coled by Hannah McDonald and Mallory Gohl. Their leadership was critical
to the continued success of this student-based preparation team that had
many new members. Initiatives this year were new reviews for all areas,
including the Strength Center and Mitchell Hall; updated emergency
action plans; addition of moulage to create more realistic scenarios;
Being a part of Rec Sports has been
the best part my time at UW-L. They
have helped me to develop the skills
I will need to be successful in the
future. It has been an experience
that I will never forget.
Matt nighbor, oa, 4 years on staff
8 UW-La Crosse Rec Sports Department
formal front desk review; and a mock first aid kit. There were several
occasions that proved the red shirt reviews are helping, as evidenced by
the efficient and appropriate response to a dislocated elbow during the
climbing competition. The climbing wall staff immediately instituted
the emergency action plan by calling 911, informing University Police,
contacting the first aider, opening the doors and escorting paramedics to
the scene. A bystander was so impressed she asked the question if injuries
happened a lot in the wall since everyone responded so well and seemed
to know what to do.
Ryan, Mo, Mallory, Ashley, Andy and three alums were involved in ERT
presentations at the state, regional and national level. Evaluations from
all three demonstrated that the information was presented well and was
helpful to other campuses. In preparation for these presentations, the
ERT website was created, which has become a valuable resource for our
department as well as other institutions.
As part of an intern project this spring, the BEST (Building Exceptional
Service Together) Program was initiated in conjunction with the daily
customer service surveys that are sent to users of programs and services
throughout the department. The purpose of these tools is to evaluate the
quality of service that students, faculty and staff are receiving face to face
as well as on the phone. The BEST Program was considered a successful
pilot with five “bestees” (secret shoppers) who came into the REC or
called on the phone. Scenarios were set for them to enact, followed by
completion of a survey. Surveys consistently demonstrated that we do
provide quality customer service. Next year, we will incorporate a BEST
Committee to spearhead our ongoing evaluation of customer service,
assist with training, and to potentially develop a staff recognition program.
ISSUES
• Overall merge with Strength Center staff went well yet need to continue
to establish team concept and department buy in
• Number of first round interviews was overwhelming once again,
generating good discussion with SAC and pro staff regarding the process.
• Peer recognition program is challenging to develop and establish.
INITIATIVES
• Development of BEST Committee to oversee BEST Program, customer
service training and possibly the peer recognition program
• Potential revision to employment process with group interview pilot
• Strive to increase percentages for skill development responses on exit
survey, especially with Strength Center staff
• Re-establish collaboration with University Police regarding active shooter
on campus.
• Implementation of pay raise requirements as recommended by 2011-12
SAC members
• Further development of follow up training based on short program after
staff training last year
Sample of our
Red Shirt review
Process
2011-12 Annual Report 9
FACILITIES
OVERVIEW
There were two primary changes that happened this year.
The construction of Erin’s Office in the summer generated a
reconfiguration of the “kitchen” and Outdoor Connection area.
These spaces are now much more usable and efficient.
Hall. We continue to learn about the system, but are frustrated that
we are unable to process credit card transactions directly on the
machine due to security conflicts with Chartwells, and now possibly
Sudexo. We look forward to ongoing conversations across campus
regarding direct credit card use. The reports on the Micros are laid
out well and are easy to read and calculate. On the other hand,
reports for the Aero machine are not very informative as they only
calculate total dollars and not according to PLU number. CBord has
also given us the ability to view photos upon swiping at the turnstile
and Strength Center door. This has been invaluable for access
purposes. As we learn more about the access reports, we feel they
will be very useful as well.
The merge with the Strength Center led to the other major change
with the placement of 14 pieces of strength equipment and 8
treadmills on the track. This has increased opportunities and
programming, particularly for women who are seen frequently on
the machines upstairs. Total pieces of equipment available outside Ben Kolpitke has been extremely helpful with the installation of
the Strength Center now include 57 cardio and 14 strength pieces as new locks on the day use lockers by the Strength Center and the
well as a multistation.
reconfiguration of the surveillance cameras mounted throughout
the field house. Unfortunately the locks were not as durable as
Summer 2012 was the inauguration of CBord on campus. This
expected and often jam, creating frustration for users, and for Ben
brought the Micros cash register to the Information Counter and
who is working closely with the company. The new areas covered by
Outdoor Connection and the Aero machine to the office in Mitchell
10 UW-La Crosse Rec Sports Department
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Implemented CBord on
campus, utilizing the Micros
cash register and CS Gold for
ID management
Ability to view photos upon
swipe at the turnstile and
Strength Center door
Addition of 14 pieces of
strength equipment and 8
treadmills
Completion of Erin’s Office
and reconfiguration of
Outdoor Connection and
kitchen area
17% decreased electricity
use thanks to retrofitted
lighting
Installation of new locks on
day use lockers in south lobby
Improved focus of cameras
for surveillance throughout
the facility
Increased sustainability
efforts through elimination of
paper forms to use of ipad
Invested
$140,000 in
new fitness
equipment
the cameras make visibility on the monitors in the
Information Counter much more effective.
Sustainability continues to be important to
our department as we strive to use resources
responsibly. We have moved several of our
paper trails, such as building manager checklists
and cleaning logs, to the ipad for electronic
collection. We are in the process of finalizing a
full-scale checklist that will also be electronic. The
Intramural Sports Program will also be utilizing
ipads next year to eliminate much paperwork.
We had a staff member complete a class project
regarding sustainability on our daily operations,
generating a list of recommendations for future
considerations, including further research
regarding gym wipes vs. cloth rags. We have
learned through Dan Sweetman that the lighting
project from last year has decreased our kilowatt
usage by 17% per month. We look forward
to upcoming sustainability efforts within the
facilities and by staff members.
Ongoing issues and concerns with the REC
include the poor ventilation system in the
Strength Center, the deteriorating floor in
the Martial Arts Room and soon to be the
Multipurpose Room, and the Child Care Center
roof. The new carpet installed last year has
created unending frustration, particularly for the
custodial staff. Not only is it challenging to clean,
it does not adhere well, especially in corners and
on the locker room benches. We are working
closely with the Physical Plant to remedy this
problem.
The outdoor sports complex continues to be
an invaluable asset for both the Intramural and
Club Sports Programs. The designated recreation
fields are essential to programming, both during
the day and into the evening with the lights.
As anticipated, extended play on these fields is
concerning with the wear and tear throughout
both the fall and spring seasons. We are
fortunate to be able to use the turf after Athletics
practices, which is critical to club sports practices
and intramural soccer leagues. Chris Schwarz
continues to be very easy to work with and
supportive of all Recreational Sports efforts.
traditional “grids” as it seems that weekends in
the fieldhouse are being used more for Athletics
fundraising purposes. This year, we were able to
shift our programming to the gyms and hope to
secure that space on Sundays in the future. Most
likely that means minimal hours for open rec
tennis. We will also be conversing with the new
swim coach with hopes of maintaining somewhat
similar lap swim hours.
ISSUES
• Learning curve and transition concerns with
CBord
• Inability to use credit cards on the Micros
• New carpet is difficult to clean and does not
adhere to all areas
• New locks on day use lockers jam often and are
not very durable
• Continued poor ventilation system in
Strength Center
• Wear and tear on designated outdoor
recreation fields
• Roof for Child Care Center needs to be
replaced
• Ongoing concern with worn/damaged
martial arts room floor
• Potential problems with multipurpose room
floor
• Serious problem with stolen green rags
INITIATIVES
• Ongoing conversation regarding CBord,
particularly related to credit card use
• Thorough research of gym wipes vs. rags for
sustainability reasons
• Installation of water fountains
• Further investigate feasibility of getting digital
cable and signage in the REC
• Active participation in conversations with
students and campus entities about the
expansion of the REC and turf on the recreation
fields
• Collaboration with the new swim coach to
maintain lap-swimming hours
Use of the Mitchell Hall facilities is still critical for
both the intramural and club sports programs as
well. This year we offered new intramural leagues
in both the fieldhouse (4 on 4 flag football)
and in the gyms (futsoa). We will be pursuing
conversations with Josh Buchholtz regarding the
2011-12 Annual Report 11
INFORMAL RECREATION
12 UW-La Crosse Rec Sports Department
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Successful merge with the
Strength Center
Access to photos upon entry
through CBord
Added strength and cardio
equipment to track level (see
facilities report)
Added towel service to
locker rentals
Continued to provide quality
services, programming, and
facilities with high demand
from student users at the REC
through customer service
oriented staff, new equipment,
innovative programs, and
clean, safe, and modern
facilities
OVERVIEW
Though we are certain use of the REC is still an
extremely high percentage of the entire student
body, we are unable to produce the data for this
year’s report. Unfortunately we learned too late
that the access data was only being saved for
60 days, set as a default by CBord. Therefore we
are unable to run turnstile reports for the entire
year. Due to the support of Patrick Timm, that
timeframe has since been expanded to two years
which will be helpful, though our preference
would be to have eternal collection since
students stay in the system. We look forward to
a much more accurate and efficient collection
method of access data through CBord.
Regardless of the numbers, it is apparent
everyday that UW-L students continue to
place a high priority on their daily physical
activity. As always, we consistently strive to
offer opportunities for informal recreation on
the courts, multipurpose room, racquetball
courts, aerobics room, martial arts room and on
the track. This is a constant struggle with high
usage coupled with the increasing demands of
structured intramural leagues and club sports
teams.
The vision with the Strength Center merge was
phenomenal with strategically placing the cardio
and strength equipment. By moving the cardio
equipment upstairs and placing several strength
pieces on the track, it seems that strength
training became more prevalent, particularly for
women who gravitated toward the equipment
on the track. The additional cardio pieces and
treadmills are undoubtedly popular as they are
utilized regularly.
With the merge of the Strength Center, we were
hopeful that we could increase our number of
memberships. Though there was an electronic
invitation to previous members of the Mitchell
Hall Strength Center as well as “free week” for all
faculty/staff, the number of memberships seems
minimal. In an effort to increase locker rentals,
we initiated a towel service that is included in the
locker.
ISSUES
• Unable to generate access data this year due to
default setting in CBord
• Use of courts by club teams during open
recreation time
• Location of ping-pong tables in lobby makes it
difficult to track usage and ensure UW-L
students/members use only
INITIATIVES
• Gather access data through effective reporting
structures
• Determine if club team practices on the courts
should be a “reserved” time.
• Create plan to increase number of faculty/staff
memberships
• Address non-UW-L student/member usage of
ping-pong tables
2011-12 Annual Report 13
Fitness programs
14 UW-La Crosse Rec Sports Department
GROUP X
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Highest Fall Semester
participation GroupX classes
of the past 4 years (3.4%
increase from last year)
Implemented manual for
GroupX instructors
Continued to offer a wide
variety of certification courses
(see instructional programs)
Gave away a Schwinn bike
and implemented Timex
Athlete of the Week Program
through ACIS
GroupX continues to attract high numbers
of participants, historically serving women.
Dependent upon semester, we offer
approximately 20-21 aerobics and 10-11 cycling
classes per week, with an additional class held for
all on Fridays. Overall participation in the 201112 GroupX classes dipped slightly from last year,
according to our point of sale data. However,
we did have eleven additional students register
for the absolution class that unfortunately did
not have enough participants to maintain each
semester (4 in the fall, 7 in the spring). We also
eliminated two of the early morning cycling
classes due to low numbers the past year.
Participation in the fall was the highest it’s been
for the past four years and shows a 3.4% increase
from last year. Those numbers did decline
however as we moved to the spring semester,
showing a 5.4% decrease from last year.
Participation Numbers (according to the POS)
contests, and promotions. This component
provides incentives to reward physical activity
among students for their participation in all
program areas. Unfortunately this year was
a challenge with the national sponsors so we
only received the first of three levels of awards
(water bottles) and the program never really took
place. We did however implement the online
registration for the ACIS sweepstakes, which
would have been the method of communication
for the rewards program. We are proud that 342
students registered.
Another component of the program was a fitness
challenge as we conducted field assessment
tests on one day during the spring semester. 38
students competed with a chance to qualify for
the national championship held in Colorado,
which was eventually cancelled as the sponsors
pulled out and the facility was not available.
According to the ACIS representative, we are
guaranteed a spot in the championship next year!
A new ACIS sponsor this year was Timex, who
provided 14 watches and 12 dri-fit shirts to our
campus. While two watches were part of the
Fall 2010
976
sweepstakes (winners drawn by ACIS), the other
Fall 20111,0093.4%
12 and shirts were to be given away as part of the
Timex Athlete of the Week Program, a program
J-term 2012
14
N/A
that gives schools the opportunity to recognize
students for outstanding fitness achievements.
Spring 2011
1,050
Due to a very short timeline, we chose to award
Spring 2012
993
-5.4%
students with the highest number of visits for
one week in the Strength Center, climbing wall,
Totals2,026 and the field house as well as the highest number
1,991
-1.7% of intramural participations for the semester.
We also held a raffle for the GroupX program
As total numbers continue to hover around
allowing students to register for one week when
2,000, we need to constantly evaluate the
they attended a class. Students were extremely
program, classes and instructors with the goal
appreciative of and enjoyed both the shirts and
of increased participation. Tammy Zee, GroupX
the watches.
Coordinator, does a great job of ensuring that our
classes are innovative and up-to-date with the
trends. Though we understand through research
• Lack accurate tracking method for groupx
that males tend not to participate in classes,
classes (POS and database numbers do not
this spring we had a male cycling instructor,
match)
who directly increased the number of male
• Slight decrease in groupx classes, though
participants in his class. Therefore, recruitment of
eliminated two cycling classes prior to start of
male instructors and participants has potential.
year and dropped absolution during the year
due to low registrations
Term
Participation Term
Participation% Change
ISSUES
ACIS FITNESS
PROGRAM
Yutong Bo did a great job coordinating the ACIS
(American Collegiate Intramural Sports) Program
this year. He was responsible for implementing
all aspects of the ACIS fitness and rewards
programs. His organization made this program
very successful once again.
Video description
of our indoor
cycling class
This was our fourth year with the fitness rewards
program. The goal is to enhance existing campus
fitness with exciting national sponsor giveaways,
INITIATIVES
• Evaluate potential online registration for groupx
classes through IMLeagues
• Conduct strong ACIS fitness challenge
with anticipation of participation in national
championship
2011-12 Annual Report 15
INSTRUCTIONAL programs
16 UW-La Crosse Rec Sports Department
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
OVERVIEW
Implemented ACE
examination preparation
courses for group fitness
instructor and personal
training
New to the instructional program area this year
were the ACE (American Council on Exercise
examination preparation courses for the group
fitness instructor and personal training. The
purposes of the courses include:
Offered nine GroupX
certifications throughout the
year
Personal Trainer (PT): designed to help students
prepare for the ACE personal trainer certification
exam. It will help students master the necessary
information and theories of exercise science for
personal training.
Group Fitness Instructor (GFI): designed to give
students the required knowledge and skill sets to
help pass the ACE group fitness instructor exam
and safely and effectively lead group exercise
classes.
Not only was this an initiative for the department,
it was a new venture for the community as well as
the ACE Organization as we collaborated with the
La Crosse Area YMCA. Dennis Kline and Tammy
Zee teamed up with UW-L alums Lee Walraven,
Wellness Center Director and Rachel Hazuga,
Community Wellness Director as co-instructors.
Administration of the courses was maintained
in-house as Nathan was responsible for marketing
and Mo coordinated the registration process.
Both courses were offered during the same
timeline of Feb-May for 2 ½ hours each on Friday
afternoons in the REC (except one Friday that was
at the YMCA due to Relay for Life). There were 9
participants in the GFI course (7 UW-L students)
and 19 (12 UW-L students) in the PT course.
According to evaluations that were submitted
during the course, the participants felt it was a
challenge for the instructors to cover massive
amounts of information in a practical method
that enhanced preparing for the exam as well as
gaining the knowledge and experience necessary
to lead a class or personal train. Further
conversation will evaluate timing of the courses
as well as methodology to assist passing the
exam and preparing for positions as group fitness
instructors and personal trainers.
In addition to the ACE prep courses, we offered
nine groupx certifications throughout the year.
The zumba certifications held both semesters
were combined with a zumbathon held on the
Friday evening before and generated dollars for
Susan G. Komen and the Salvation Army. Certs.
included: cycling, pilates, turbokick, yoga, zumba,
and zumba gold.
The self-defense class struggled this year, most
likely due to lack of recruitment. We need to
collaborate with academic classes, the Violence
Prevention Office, Wellness Resource Center and
student organizations to spread the word. In its
fourth year, the program saw declining numbers
with 17 students in the fall and 8 students in
the spring (total of 25 compared to 44 last year
and 27 in 2009-2010). It was taught in the fall
by one of the same instructors who originally
approached the department with a desire to
educate campus on self-defense techniques.
He trained in a new person to assist. However,
this person was not available in the spring so
he taught alone. We maintained the extended
format of 90 minutes for six weeks and continued
with guest instruction from Ingrid Peterson and
Officer Nikki Miller (Nikki was replaced in the
spring by Officer Oyen).
ISSUES
• Declining participation in self-defense course
• Challenging initiation of the ACE exam
preparation courses
INITIATIVES
• Evaluate most effective teaching methods
and implementation strategies for ACE Exam
preparation courses
• Consider recruitment of other self-defense
instructors that may be more long-term
• Determine method to offer certification courses
for lifeguarding, CPR, AED, and first aid
e more long-term
2011-12 Annual Report 17
Special EVENTS
18
UW-LaCrosse
Crosse Rec
Rec Sports
18 UW-La
Sports Department
Department
a multitude of fun and exciting events For the
university community
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Initiated 2 new
highly successful events
Moonlight Fun Run
& Battleship
Increased total
participation by 8%
Increased Turkey Trot
sponsorship value by 42%
from $6550 in 2010 to $9300
in 2011
Collaborated with REC 300
class and students to bring 2
new events to the students
on campus (Hoop Mania &
Prowler Challenge)
Turkey Trot donated over
$10,000.00
$4,000.00 to New Horizons Shelter
& Outreach
$5,000.00 Multicultural Scholarship
Fund
$1,500.00 UW-L Student Affairs
Check out
the video
OVERVIEW
The Recreational Sports Department offers
numerous special events each year. These events
provide opportunities for the students, staff and
members of the greater La Crosse community
to explore different recreational activities. From
table tennis tournaments to golf scrambles to
an indoor triathlon to the largest 5k road race
in the area, there is something for everyone.
Collaboration with various campus departments
and organizations as well as partnerships with
community businesses allow for the Rec Sports
department to provide a multitude of fun and
exciting events each year.
The Rec Sports Department was able to sponsor
fourteen special events this year including two
new events. 2011-12 marked the first year for the
Moonlight Fun Run 5k and Battleship. Both events
provided a new opportunity for students to be
active, recreate and socialize. The Moonlight Fun
Run has over 450 participants and just short of
100 students jumped into the Mitchell Hall pool to
participate in Battleship. Over 3,700 students, staff
and community members participated in at least
one special event during the 2011-12 academic
year. 2,268 runners and walkers galloped their way
to campus for the 17th annual UW-L Turkey Trot.
This annual event not only provides an opportunity
for the campus and La Crosse community to
participate in a 5k fun run/walk, but also offers
UW-L undergraduate and graduate students the
chance to be involved in various aspects of a large
road race. Proceeds from this year’s race benefited
New Horizons Women’s Shelter, the UW-L
Multicultural Scholarship Program and UW-L Rec
Sports. Over $10,000.00 was donated in total.
The success of the special events is due in large
part to the motivated and eager Special Event
Supervisors who develop new ideas, plan and
finally implement the events. The new Events
Coordinator position on campus directly
oversees, mentors and assists in the creation
and implementation of each special event. The
Special Events team looks forward to continuing
to provide opportunities through existing
events as well as creating new opportunities for
involvement, socialization and recreation through
innovative new ideas.
ISSUES
•Continue to increase the “UW-L Turkey Trot” brand
and work to minimize confusion throughout the
La Crosse and surrounding communities between
the two local turkey trot races
INITIATIVES
•Continue Collaboration with a number of
University units: Res Life, University Centers,
Student Life, Health Center and CAB
•Continue collaboration with REC 300 class and
students to bring 2 new events to the students on
campus (Hoop Mania & Prowler Challenge)
•Desire to obtain multi-year presenting level
sponsors for the UW-L Turkey Trot; Shenanigans &
Subway
•Researching and selecting a race management
company and online race registration system that
meets the needs and aligns with the UW-L Rec
Sports philosophy
FALL 2011
Turkey Trot
Moonlight Fun Run (New)
Rectoberfest
Club Sports Hullaballoo
Sand Volleyball
Paddle Battle 6
Golf Scramble
Fall Total
SPRING 2012
Indoor Tri
Battleship (New)
Night on the Slopes
Inverted Climbing Comp
Hoop Mania (New)
Paddle Battle 7
Paddle Battle 8
Golf Scramble
Prowler Challenge (New)
Spring Total
Total Number of Participants
2,268
497
453
300
64
32
20
3,634
102
98
81
64
50
15
12
26
15
463
4,097
2011-12 Annual Report 19
Marketing and promotions
20 UW-La Crosse Rec Sports Department
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Increased YouTube views by
370% reaching nearly 13,000
Produced 25 unique videos
Created over 62 unique
flyers
Reached the 2,000 fans/like
mark on our facebook pages
Successfully promoted the
strength center changes
Successfully launched our
departments new tag line
“let’s play”
Began incorporating QR
(quick response) codes to
promote videos on our event
posters
Gained “official” status for
our facebook pages from the
University Web Master
OVERVIEW
During the 2011-12 school year a small but
mighty promotions team produced the greatest
amount of advertising our department has ever
used. More videos were produced, more flyers
were designed, and more facebook posts were
submitted than ever before. The marketing and
promotion team constists of two very talented
undergraduate students: Emily Langer, Graphic
Design and Evan Zachman, Video Productions.
The pair is supervised by the Assistant Director,
Nathan Barnhart. Both Emily and Evan were new
additions to the Rec Sports staff this year and
they both did an outstanding job, exceeding all
expectations.
Promotional efforts consist of the following:
Digital Media
Maintaining a comprehensive 100+ page web site
Maintaining 9 facebook pages with 2,272 fans
Maintaining a twitter account
Maintaining a YouTube channel with nearly 13,000
video views last year
Print Media
62 unique flyers/posters
11 t-shirt/screen print projects
5 vinyl banners
Brochures
Calendar of Champions hanging wall calendar
Program specific bookmarks
Student planner ad
Student directory ad
Turkey Trot billboards
ISSUES
• The Department’s promotional needs continue
to grow. The addition of the Strength Center and
its many new programs coupled with expanded
special events offerings really stretched the
capabilities of our effectiveness.
• It’s a challenge to keep up with social media
trends and changes. For instance Facebook
recently changed its format to a new “time line”
style which completely changed how we promote
upcoming programs
• Our new color printer is very fast and produces
high quality print jobs, however the print
cartridges are much more expensive than our old
printer. This has required us to rely more heavily
on Digicopy for our color printing needs
• Video production requires the use of properly
licensed music, which can be very expenseive.
We currently have a subscription to a very low
cost music source but are quickly coming to the
end of their useable tracks. We’ll need to identify
new options this coming year
• YouTube isn’t included in the Eagle Apps set of
program. ITS doesn’t and won’t offer support for
YouTube and as a result UW-L email accounts can
not set up or manage Youtube channels. We have
had to establish a new gmail user account in order
to manage the channel
In addition, a variety of “icons” and graphics were
produced for use on our web site and facebook
pages.
INITIATIVES
• Implementing a redesign of the department’s
web site utilizing the University’s new content
management system
• Create video descriptions/promos for each
program area
• Continue to utilize social media to connect and
build positive relationships with our participants
• Explore potential for digital signage for the REC
• Find a replacement for Evan Zachman
2011-12 Annual Report 21
CLIMBING WALL
bouldering
competition
Promo viideo
22 UW-La Crosse Rec Sports Department
a unique alternative to traditional exercise,
which develops strength, improves endurance
and increases self confidence
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Record number of
Bouldering Competition
participants with 64
Solicited over $4,500 in
prizes for the Bouldering
Competition, a new record for
the event
Co-founded WICS
(Wisconsin Indoor Climbing
Series) along with
UW-Oshkosh, UW-Eau Claire
and UW-Stevens Point
OVERVIEW
One of our senior staff members Skyler Frickelton
characterized the past year as...”having the most
cohesive community of climbers since I have
been involved with the program.” This was
evident in the fact that an informal traveling team
consisting of about a dozen male and female
climbers was created. They called themselves
the LaX Climbing Crew and competed in all four
of the newly created Wisconsin Indoor Climbing
Series events. They finished 2nd in the overall
series championship and only lost by 5pts.
This “cohesiveness” felt by our staff was
contrasted by the fact that after three consecutive
years of participation increases, the Climbing Wall
experienced a decline during the 2011-12 school
year. The number of individual climbers who
visited at least once dropped by 85 people to
1,355, a 5.9% decrease.
Even more dramatic was the drop in overall
visits. 16.9% or 1,088 fewer climber visits
were recorded this year compared to last.
This is a troubling issue and addressing it
will be one of the main goals for next year.
PARTICIPATION
1,355 individual climbers visited at least once
5,360 total visits were logged throughout the
school year
ISSUES
• Maintaining quality top rope climbing routes
• Sound system has broken and needs to be
replaced
• Participation has decreased over 15%
INITIATIVES
• Develop a more comprehensive staff
training that is more closely aligned with the
Department’s training at the beginning of the
year
• Increase participation and develop programs to
develop climbing skills and build climber loyalty
• Host another PCIA Training
• Host another climbing comp
• Explore renovation options
CORRECTION TO 2010-11 FINAL REPORT
After exploring the climbing wall entrance data more closesly it has come to my attention that there
is a glitch in the reporting feature. Some entries have been counted twice. We have re-examined
the past years data and found that 6,448 people visited the wall in 2010-11 which is 702 fewer
than reported in last years report. The proper adjustments have been made to generate current
participation figures.
2011-12 Annual Report 23
Outdoor connection
24 UW-La Crosse Rec Sports Department
quality outdoor gear rental, informational
resources and outdoor skill clinics and trips
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Created partnership with
Res Life to offer an outdoor
themed Living Learning
Community that will begin
Fall 2012
Collaborated with ESS
Department to offer a new
Introduction to Wilderness
Leadership class in Spring
2012
Increased revenue by 14%
from $44,089 in
2010-11to $56,193 (as of 5/13/2012)
in 2011-12
Increased contact hours by
39% to 15,436
Scheduled a record 33 trips
and clinics throughout the
school year
Record Wilderness First
Responder participation with
41
Upgraded complete
inventory of XC Skis
OVERVIEW
The Outdoor Connection continues to grow and
improve. Thanks to a successful surplus sale and
increase in the Wilderness First Responder class
and Spring Break participation, program revenue
reached a new high and may climb to $60,000 by
the end of the fiscal year. New programs were
added such as a whitewater kayaking trip and an
additional Spring Break trip. A new partnership
was forged with Res Life to develop and pilot an
Outdoor Oriented Living Learning Community
in Eagle Hall for the 2012-13 school year. A new
“Introduction to Wilderness Trip Leading” class was
offered in the Spring as an ESS100 class and was
co-taught by Graduate Assistant Amy Schmied
and Nathan Barnhart.
The OC continues to take advantage of its
prime location to provide a variety of outdoor
programing. The trips program once again
offered backpacking, canoeing, kayaking, caving,
cross country skiing, snowshoeing, dogsledding
and hiking adventures throughout the year.
PARTICIPATION
Our trips and clinics program experienced slight
dip in overall participation but had an increase
in the number of “contact hours’” our staff had
with participants. This anomaly was due to the
cancelation of winter trips and clinics combined
with an increased participation in our programs
that are very time intensive like a Spring Break and
the Wilderness First Responder course. Overall, 33
Trips/Clinics were offered during the school year
and 24 of them were successfully implemented.
311 people took part in the program and record
15, 436 contact hours were reported.
ISSUES
• The equipment reservation system is inefficient
• Green bike program continues to be so popular
that we can’t keep up with interest
INITIATIVES
• Implement Outdoor Living Learning Community
• Implement trip leader training for ORLL trip
Unfortunately, the poor snow accumulation this
winter devastated our winter programing! All
winter related trips and clinics were cancelled and
winter rental revenue was down an estimated
75%.
During the school year our rental service desk is
open 48 hours a week and provides inexpensive
equipment rentals for our students and the
general public. The OC rents everything from
tents and kayaks to dry bags and bicycles.
2011-12 Annual Report 25
ClUB SPORTS
OVERVIEW
Club sports provide opportunities for students, faculty, and staff
to participate in organized group recreational, instructional,
and competitive activities. In addition, participation in club
sports contributes to the development of student leaders while
building transferable life skills such as fiscal responsibility, time
management, leadership, and communication.
The club sports organization is the largest student run organization
at UW-La Crosse. Our mission is to promote, develop, and provide
leadership to sport and recreation oriented clubs. We have been
able to improve each year due to recommendations and leadership
by our executive council and our club sport council. Our initiatives
and goals will help us have another successful year in 2012-13.
While working with each individual club, we see the unique
challenges that each club experiences. Our goals are to help clubs
create a safe, fun, and quality experience for student members.
Funding, recruiting, facility practice space, and membership are
26 UW-La Crosse Rec Sports Department
only a few issues that clubs confront. Each club meets with the
Club Sport Coordinator to address issues that occur throughout the
year on an as needed basis. At minimum, meetings happen twice
per year to allow a communication line to exist.
Club Sports Council
The Club Sports Council is responsible for overseeing the bylaws,
policies, and procedures for all club sport teams. Each club is
responsible for selecting student officers to lead their club. These
officers also represent their team at the club sports council
meetings. The monthly meetings are used to review and formulate
policies, procedures, bylaws, and assist in the allocation of student
fee funding.
Club Sports Executive Council
The Executive Council is comprised of 4-5 club council members
elected by the previous executive council to work with the
Coordinator to lead club sport council meetings. Our executive
council has successfully implementing a point system where each
club earns points throughout the year for paperwork, fundraising,
17 Clubs - 406 Members
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Club sports hosted 38 competitions this year
Clubs competed in 203 contests during the academic year
Seven clubs represented UW-L at their sport or league’s highest
competition level
17 clubs completed over 815 hours of community service
Graduate Assistant Laura Hudson, ATC, provided coverage to all
home club events and most practices throughout the year
Individual Club Accomplishments
Men’s Volleyball was crowned National Collegiate Volleyball
Federation Division 2 National Champions in Kansas City, MO for
the second consecutive year
Waterski qualified for the D1 National Championship in
Louisiana after going undefeated in four local tournaments,
including the Great Plains Conference Championship and the
Midwest Regional Championship. The club was awarded the 2011
National Collegiate Waterski Association Team of the Year Award
Women’s Rugby won the state title for the third consecutive
year finishing with a record this year of 18-2-1
League Rivers Division, the highest accomplishment they can
achieve, with a record of 10-1
Men’s Lacrosse won the Western Division Championship for
the fourth consecutive year and placed fifth at the Great Lakes
Lacrosse League Championship
Women’s Volleyball finished second in the Wisconsin Volleyball
Conference and attended the National Championship in Kansas
City, MO where they took third in the Division 1 Bronze Bracket
The Men’s and Women’s Alpine Race Teams both qualified
for regionals and took second runner-up for the National
Championship bid. Both teams came home with the
sportsmanship award
Equestrian took second as a team in the region and sent six
riders to the regional championship
Triathlon had nine members travel to Tuscaloosa, AL to compete
in the Collegiate National Championship in April, 2012. The top
male took 27th and the top female took 19th in their divisions
The Ultimate Frisbee club saw a rapid increase in participation
causing the club to split into Men’s and Women’s Clubs for 201213
Women’s Lacrosse won the North Central Women’s Lacrosse
community service, club success, and in other general categories.
The goal of the point system is to reward clubs for great
performance on and off the field. The point system will be used
to allocate student segregated fees to individual clubs, removing
any personal connection or involvement of the executive council
members when allocating money.
ACTIVE CLUBS
Aikido, Alpine Race, Archery, Cycling, Equestrian, Women’s Hockey,
Men’s and Women’s Lacrosse, Men’s and Women’s Rugby, Ski &
Snowboard, Men’s Soccer, Ultimate Frisbee, Triathlon, Men’s and
Women’s Volleyball, and Water Ski & Wakeboard.
Membership
• 17 Club Sports
• 215 Male Participants
• 191 Female Participants
• 406 Total Members
ISSUES
• Increased participation per club including two new clubs with
minimal increase in student segregated fee funding
• Reporting of all travel expenses and accounting for expenses not
covered by student fee funding to ensure an accurate budget
• Scheduling indoor and outdoor practices and competitions with
increasingly limited on-campus field and court space available for
clubs
•Risk management and liability concerns with practices offcampus
INITIATIVES
• Requiring travel reports from all clubs traveling
• Building accurate and sustainable budgets for all clubs to carryover from year to year
• Develop policies, procedures, and build resources to host more
club sport events
• Develop club sports leadership training for new officers and
general members to start with the school year
2011-12 Annual Report 27
Intramural Sports
28
UW-LaCrosse
Crosse Rec
28 UW-La
Rec Sports
SportsDepartment
Department
a diverse offering of competitive and
recreational sports experiences to meet
the needs, interest, and skill levels of the
university community
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Launched IMLeagues, an
internet based program giving
students the power to check
schedules, change rosters, and
email teammates seamlessly
without incident
Record highs in number of
participants, participations, and
contests played
Successfully launched three
new intramural sports Futsal,
Indoor Flag Football, and
Trenchball
Continued development
of the UW-L Student Officials
Association including offering
clinics, opportunities to
become WIAA certified, and
many opportunities to officiate
outside the intramural program
Student representation as
teams, officials, and committee
members at three extramural
tournaments hosted by:
•Viterbo University
•St. Cloud State University
•University of WisconsinMadison
 Inaugural year of the UW-L
Campus Cup which is awarded
to the top intramural team
throughout the year based on a
points system
REcord
3,600
Contests
Played
OVERVIEW
Through participation in physical activity, the
Intramural Sports Program seeks to promote
wellness, develop friendships, and to encourage
the wise use of leisure time. The program strives
to provide a diverse offering of both competitive
and recreational experiences to reach the
needs, interest, and skill level of the university
community of just under 10,000 students. With
individual, dual, and team settings, intramural
sports are able to provide something for
everyone. The program is built on a strong
foundation of tradition, teamwork, and good
clean fun!
Intramural Sports continue to be the one of the
most popular extracurricular activity for students
at UW-L. During the past academic year, students
were offered the opportunity to register for 23
sport leagues. The activities ranged from team
sports such as basketball and volleyball to dual or
individual sports like tennis and badminton.
PARTICIPATION
Memorial Sports Complex Field so night games
were able to continue from dusk to 11:30pm.
Indoor activities such as basketball and volleyball
have stretched from 6pm-midnight four nights a
week at the Recreational Eagle Center.
With an increase in participation across the board,
Intramural Sports was able to successfully launch
three new sports: futsal, indoor flag football, and
trenchball. The new sports offer students more
opportunity to participate in a different spin on
classic sports like soccer, football, and dodgeball.
The new activities offered have helped with the
rising desire the students have to participate.
The Intramural Sports Program also implemented
a new internet based intramural software,
IMLeagues, this year. With the ability to register
for leagues online, make roster additions,
message teammates, and change team
preferences, IMLeagues has given power of the
teams back to the participants. The software
also allows easier game scheduling, score and
participant management, and the ability to
message all participants through email or text
messages.
Yet again, the Intramural Program had record
setting numbers in participants, participations,
and contests participated in. Intramural Sports
saw over 3,500 different students, faculty, and
staff participate 9,400 times during the academic
year. Those 3,500 participants checked into
contests over 40,600 times. Participations came
in the form of 1,200 teams, doubles teams, and
singles competitors. We also had 95 teams,
doubles teams, and singles champions crowned
with 615 of the coveted intramural championship
t-shirts awarded. With record participation,
we saw a record in contests played at 3,600
throughout the academic year.
Spring 2012 semester was the inaugural semester
for the UW-L Campus Cup. The cup is awarded
to the top intramural group based on points
earned from each sport offered throughout
the semester. Groups consist of 20 members
participating in as many leagues and sports as
they desire. Points are awarded for participation,
wins, team sportsmanship, and final standings
in playoffs. The group “GYCB” won the first ever
UW-L Campus Cup after competing as a team 18
times with one championship and four runner-up
finishes.
With record breaking numbers in participation,
Intramural Sports continued to stretch the
boundaries of the facilities on campus. Outdoor
activities such as flag football, soccer, ultimate
frisbee, and softball utilize the lights at Veteran’s
Ryan Rudesill, Interim Coordinator of Intramural
and Club Sports, entered his first full year in
the position after taking over in November
of 2010. First year graduate assistants Casey
Pivonka and Jordan Olson also joined the team
STAFFING
2011-12 Annual Report 29
Intramural Sports cont.
IT DOESN’T MATTER WHAT YOUR RECORD IS, WHO’S ON YOUR TEAM, OR HOW MUCH
HOMEWORK YOU DIDN’T GET DONE THAT WEEK. ALL THAT MATTERS IS WHETHER OR NOT
YOU GET THAT UW-L INTRAMURAL CHAMPIONSHIP T-SHIRT.
JAROD PONCE, INRAMURAL PARTICIPANT, THE RACQUET, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2012
30 UW-La Crosse Rec Sports Department
THe most popular extracurricular activity
on campus
with undergraduate experience from UW-Stevens Point and UWMilwaukee, respectively.
The undergraduate staff consisted of 11 supervisors with ranging
experiences and expertise. The intramural supervisors did a
wonderful job with the transition of the intramural software,
IMLeagues, the spike in participation numbers, and the inaugural
seasons of three sports.
This year we also brought on over 100 student officials, umpires,
and scorekeepers for different sports including flag football,
basketball, soccer/futsal, volleyball, dodgeball/trenchball, floor
hockey, and softball. Many of the student officials joined the UW-L
Student Officials Association where they attended clinics with local
officials and were given opportunities to become WIAA certified
to work local games and tournaments outside of the intramural
program.
contests per day
• Potential budget issues related to increased participation for
staffing, equipment, facility and maintenance
• Minor issues related to the lack of familiarity for students and staff
with IMLeagues
INITIATIVES
• Host the 2012-13 WIRSA State Extramural Basketball Tournament
• Provide alternatives to league play including weekend
tournaments, evening tournaments, or off campus events
• Further develop the intramural supervisor manual, student
officials association, and professional development of student
employees
• Continue adding new activities for students such kickball, fantasy
football, inner tube water polo, bags toss, and shuffleboard
SUMMARY
Recreational Sports has a rich tradition of intramural participation.
Our dedicated staff allows us to put on quality activities throughout
the year. Our participants have many opportunities to compete in
a broad range of activities ranging from recreational to competitive
levels. We always strive to meet the needs and demands of the
students. Our staff’s mission it to provide a safe, fun and fair
competitive environment. Overall, we want participants to enjoy
their experience of playing in intramural sports at UW-L.
ISSUES
• Availability and scheduling facilities with increased participation
numbers
• Quality and maintenance of grass fields with the number of
2011-12 Annual Report 31
strength Center
32 UW-La Crosse Rec Sports Department
Providing individuals the tools to start or
continue improvement of their physical health
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Remodeled existing
strength center which
included a new ceiling, paint,
flat screen monitors, and
new equipment
Reorganized and
purchased new equipment
to develop 5 functional
workout spaces: cardio,
core, strength circuit
treadmill area, free weights
 Implemented a variety of
new programs:
• Group personal training
• Prowler classes - high
intensity anaerobic
conditioning
• Challenge Tuesdays,
weekly fitness performance
tests
• 40 Point Platform Test –
test to ensure user safety
and knowledge while
using the weightlifting
platforms
• Hosted a Prowler
Challenge special event
Provided fitness
assessments in the Res Halls
Posted weekly “Fitness
Facts” throughout the facility
Incorporated the Rec
Sports Department within
the university wellness
webpage
Partnered in the ACE
Personal Training Exam Prep
Course
4 undergraduate students
earned strength and
conditioning internship
positions in Top 25 NCAA
Division I Athletic Programs
OVERVIEW
The Strength Center provides the UW-L campus
community all the tools for individuals to start
or to continue to improve their physical health
status by providing training equipment and
education in a safe and clean setting. Research
has shown strength and conditioning exercises
are safe and effective for men and women of all
ages and can be very powerful in reducing the
signs and symptoms of numerous diseases and
chronic conditions such as: arthritis, diabetes,
osteoporosis, obesity, back pain, and depression.
An emphasis on health and well-being at UW-L is
demonstrated by the large student enrollment in
health and science related majors. In anticipation
of an all-time high equipment and facility usage
due to the merging of the REC Strength Center
with the Recreational Sports Department, we
organized equipment into functional areas such
as:
• 10 piece machine circuit
• 57 cardio pieces including bikes, treadmills,
ellipticals, and rowers
• “Core” training area with 10 stations
• Updated and additional equipment in the
Strength Center
The disbursement of equipment into functional
areas has decreased over crowdedness
while increasing usage. However, with the
disbursement of equipment comes greater
maintenance. In the long run, a common area
would be more beneficial.
The major accomplishment of the year is the
merging of the Strength Center into Rec Sports.
The merger has allowed for greater student
interactions, evolution of new programs, as well
as the implementation of a more robust student
hiring system. In addition, the strength staff
has had greater contact with student users in all
venues of physical activity in the facility. New
programs offered by the Strength Center include:
• Group personal training – personal training for 2
or more clients at once
• Prowler classes - high intensity anaerobic
conditioning
• Challenge Tuesdays – challenge males and
females to participate in a physical challenge
every Tuesday
• 40 Point Platform Test – test to ensure
user safety and knowledge while using the
weightlifting platforms
ISSUES
• Lack of accurate tracking and usage numbers for
the Strength Center due to door swipe
• ACE personal training course lacked training
practices, which decreased interest in the course
attendance
• Integrating Strength Center staff into Rec Sports
staff in general
• Policies and procedures need updating and
posting respectfully
• Prowler Challenge needs more exposure as many
students were unsure of what it was
INITIATIVES
• Improve tracking and usage of the center with
the addition of a turnstile
• Continue to expand personal training and look
into small-group training
• Review personal training course and investigate
all providers/partnerships
• Improve exposure/marketing of prowler and
training benefits of its use
• Take steps to embrace student interest in
developing a powerlifting club
• Continue successful collaboration with James
White and ESS 368
• Develop staff training to integrate better with
the Rec Sports staff
• Post updated policies and procedures
• Offer Challenge Tuesdays from mid-term of
fall semester to mid-term of spring semester,
increasing from 7 to 14 events
PARTICIPATION
Challenge Tuesdays: 218 participants
Personal training: increased participation from 6
to 20, with 30 fitness reviews
Prowler Class: 27 participants in 8 classes
Prowler Challenge: 15 participants
40-point Platform Test: 310 participants
Strength Center visits (based on hourly count):
43,037 from 9/5/2011 to 5/4/2012
2011-12 Annual Report 33
Wellness
34 UW-La Crosse Rec Sports Department
WELLNESS TEAM
This was the first year for the UW-L Wellness Team, which comprised
of representatives from the Violence Prevention Office, First Year
Experience, Residence Life, Rec Sports, and Academic Advising.
Congratulations to Jason Betrand our newly hired Wellness
Coordinator.
The Wellness Team’s mission, as stated on the team’s website (www.
uwlax.edu/wellness), is to empower students and staff by providing
them with the knowledge and tools necessary to lead a healthy,
balanced lifestyle. People have a natural impulse for health and
an innate wisdom about what is best for them. Our job is to help
minimize or remove the barriers that interfere with that impulse
and cultivate an environment in which the potential for health
flourishes. The Wellness Team is committed to the UW-L campus
community. By guiding their behaviors we allow for a more holistic,
balanced lifestyle where students, staff and faculty are able to
achieve their full potential.
The Wellness Team coordinated/collaborated on the following
functions:
• Fall and Spring Relaxation Extravaganzas for students
• Morale Retreat for faculty and staff
• BASICS
• Residence Hall Programming
• Drake Hall Reunion
• Stall Seat Journal
WELLNESS WEDNESDAY
The Wellness Wednesday Program continued to promote wellness
resources on campus and provide health-related information.
Under the leadership of an ESS 320 student and the assistance
of wellness committee members, four programs were offered on
Wednesday afternoons at the REC during the fall semester. Total
contacts reached approximately 110 students on a wide variety
of wellness topics. New this spring was the implementation of
fitness assessments (body composition, blood pressure, hand grip
strength, body mass index, and hip-to-waist ratio) led by Strength
Center student staff members. Although the fitness assessments
were very popular at the start of the semester, they tapered off.
One possible reason could be that the same assessments were
offered on the same day, at the same time. In the future, we hope
for greater contact by varying days, times, and content. In addition
to offering assessments at the REC on Wednesdays, we took a small
staff to two residence hall functions and provided the same services
as part of our Res. Hall tour.
ISSUES
• Offering fitness assessments through Wellness Wednesdays at
the same time of day was reaching the same population weekly,
decreasing participation
• Res. hall tours were difficult to get commitments
INITIATIVES
• Develop tracking of student participation in wellness activities
• Develop a fitness emphasis for Wellness Wednesdays and provide
daily activity choices
• Improve setting for Wellness Wednesday to occur, such as a
presentation board instead of a table
• Include an activity with Wellness Wednesday, such as a nutrition
assessment, special outreach of Challenge Tuesday activity, or a fit
test
• Tour all res. halls with an outreach of fitness assessment and body
image
• Improve organization of res. hall tours to include sign-up dates
and times
PARTICIPATION
Res Hall Fitness Assessment Tour: 94 participants
Fall Relaxation Extravaganza: 425 participants
Spring Relaxation Extravaganza: 176 participants
2011-12 Annual Report 35
PARTNERS
IN THE DIVISION Veteran’s Memorial Field Sports Complex
Violence Prevention Office
Wellness Resource Center
Wellness Team
Campus Activities Board
Campus Food Pantry Campus Climate & Diversity
Chartwells Child Care Center ON CAMPUS (OUTSIDE DIVISION)
Adventure Programs
Counseling & Testing
Admissions
Health Center
Alumni Office
Intercollegiate Athletics
Office of Multicultural Student Services Continuing Education
Environmental Studies
Office of Student Life
Exercise & Sports Science (ESS)
Residence Life
First Flight
Sports Education & Recreation Facilities
International Education
University Centers
Upward Bound La Crosse Exercise & Health Program
Mentoring Program
36 UW-La Crosse Rec Sports Department
Recreation Management and
Therapeutic Recreation
University Police
COMMUNITY
American Cancer Society
Big Brothers & Big Sisters
City of La Crosse – Clerk of Courts
City of La Crosse – Waste Management
Eco Park
La Crosse Park & Rec
New Horizons
Salvation Army
WI Bicycle Federation
YMCA