Inside RecSports: Fall/Winter 2009

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Esa Building Coordinator Government Marta Retail Coordinator Biology Nyssa Clerical Assistant Physical Therapy Nick Intramural Supervisor Aerospace Engineering Veronica Gym Store Clerk Human Development Family Science EDUCATION THROUGH RECREATION STUDENTS: THE LIFEBLOOD OF RECSPORTS RECRUITS DELTA KAPPA EPSILON FEATURE ARTICLES Vol. 9, No. 1 Fall/Winter 2009 YOUR CONNECTION TO UT INTRAMURALS EST. 1916 The University of Texas at Austin Recreational Sports 1 University Station D7500 Austin, TX 78712-0395 NON PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE P A I D AUSTIN, TEXAS PERMIT NO. 391 Address Service Requested Please check the appropriate box and return this section to the address above, or make your changes online at www.utrecsports.org/whereareyou. __ Please change my name or address. __ I received a duplicate copy. Please make the necessary correction. __ Please remove my name from your mailing list. __ Please replace my US mail subscription with an e-newsletter. E-mail to: ______________________________ Jim Berly, an all-around athlete for the Dekes who excelled as a football and basketball player, was named first team All-Intra- mural Football in 1961. “Intramurals was part of our lives,” he remembers. After a career in the heavy machinery construction business, Jim now owns an Internet advertising business as well as an Internet travel business. Two of his daughters graduated from UT. Jack Kamrath ’64, entered UT from Lamar High School in Houston as the No. 1 tennis player and in his words “had to sneak around Coach Wilmer Allison to play intramurals.” An all-intramural football player in 1961, he also played softball and basketball. Jack’s career involved a construction and real estate business, a tennis planning consultant firm and a non-profit business – the American Heritage Education Foundation, Inc. Jack and wife Sandra have five children and live in Houston. JR Taylor ’62, ’65, an all-intramural athlete in softball and volleyball, was named Best All-Around Athlete for the fraternity division in 1961–62. JR played for the Legal Eagles during law school. “We were successful for those five or six years for three reasons,” JR remembers. “One, Dick Beeler’s competitiveness and leadership, with Tom Hurst following in his footsteps. Two, we had a bunch of good athletes who played high school ball, and, three, we were always there. We might not win every sport, but we played everything and earned those points.” Today, JR is retired after 35 years as a corporate lawyer. He and his wife, Beverly (Cox) ’61, have two children and four grandchildren. Pat Haragan ’64, football, basketball, softball and tennis player for the Deke machine, remembers, “It was a commitment to show up for your game or match. It didn’t matter whether you won or not.” He also recalls, “Intramurals was a social thing for major team sports. Those not playing brought their dates as well as the players’ dates.” Now retired in Austin, Pat and his wife of 45 years, Mary, enjoy spending time with their three grandchildren and traveling. Pat also keeps in touch with his Deke brothers. Charlie Church ’62, another athlete out of Lamar High School in Houston, played freshman football in 1958 until an injury forced him to compete in the intramural program. With a degree in petroleum land management, he worked in the oil and gas business for 28 years (still active) and in 1990 with his son, Chris, established Church Services, one of the largest service companies in Houston. Married for 49 years to Judy, their three children–all UT graduates–and one granddaughter –a junior at UT–make up the family. Charles Scarborough ’64, ’66, served as a senior manager for the intramural program in 1960–61 and while in law school won a handball championship in the summer of 1965. Two daughters are UT grads and today Charles is a practicing attorney in Abilene, Texas. Note: Charles attended the Sept. 19 reunion and donated his senior manager sweater to RecSports. Winner’s Circle KE INTRAMURAL POWERHOUSE (continued) 1959-60 Delta Kappa Epsilon Softball Runner-Up. Front (L-R): Graydon Dunlap, Dick Beeler, Pat Haragan, Gus Koerner, Frank Scarborough. Back (L-R): David Sadler, Ken Edgar, Carl Stephanow, JR Taylor, Ed Graham. Join the Let us recognize your team with a story and a picture. Contact Bob Childress at [email protected] or call 512-475-7180. Visit us online @ www.utrecsports.org/friends. Winner’s Circle!

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Alumni Newsletter

Transcript of Inside RecSports: Fall/Winter 2009

Page 1: Inside RecSports: Fall/Winter 2009

Esa Building Coordinator

Government

MartaRetail Coordinator

Biology

Nyssa Clerical AssistantPhysical Therapy

Nick Intramural Supervisor

Aerospace Engineering

VeronicaGym Store Clerk

Human DevelopmentFamily Science

Education tHRougH REcREationstudEnts: tHE lifEblood of REcspoRts ∙ REcRuits ∙ dElta kappa Epsilon

F e a t u r e a r t i c l e s

Vol. 9, No. 1 Fall/Winter 2009

Your connection to ut intramurals est. 1916The University of Texas at AustinRecreational Sports1 University Station D7500 Austin, TX 78712-0395

NON PROFIT ORG.U.S. POSTAGE

P A I DAUSTIN, TEXASPERMIT NO. 391

Address Service Requested

Please check the appropriate box and return this section to the address above, or make your changes online at www.utrecsports.org/whereareyou.

__ Please change my name or address.__ I received a duplicate copy. Please make the necessary correction.__ Please remove my name from your mailing list.__ Please replace my US mail subscription with an e-newsletter. E-mail to: ______________________________

Jim Berly, an all-around athlete for the Dekes who excelled as a football and basketball player, was named first team All-Intra-mural Football in 1961. “Intramurals was part of our lives,” he remembers. After a career in the heavy machinery construction business, Jim now owns an Internet advertising business as well as an Internet travel business. Two of his daughters graduated from UT.

Jack Kamrath ’64, entered UT from Lamar High School in Houston as the No. 1 tennis player and in his words “had to sneak around Coach Wilmer Allison to play intramurals.” An all-intramural football player in 1961, he also played softball and basketball. Jack’s career involved a construction and real estate business, a tennis planning consultant firm and a non-profit business – the American Heritage Education Foundation, Inc. Jack and wife Sandra have five children and live in Houston.

JR Taylor ’62, ’65, an all-intramural athlete in softball and volleyball, was named Best All-Around Athlete for the fraternity division in 1961–62. JR played for the Legal Eagles during law school. “We were successful for those five or six years for three reasons,” JR remembers. “One, Dick Beeler’s competitiveness and leadership, with Tom Hurst following in his footsteps. Two, we had a bunch of good athletes who played high school ball, and, three, we were always there. We might not win every sport, but we played everything and earned those points.” Today, JR is retired after 35 years as a corporate lawyer. He and his wife, Beverly (Cox) ’61, have two children and four grandchildren.

Pat Haragan ’64, football, basketball, softball and tennis player for the Deke machine, remembers, “It was a commitment to show up for your game or match. It didn’t matter whether you won or not.” He also recalls, “Intramurals was a social thing for major team sports. Those not playing brought their dates as well as the players’ dates.” Now retired in Austin, Pat and his wife of 45 years, Mary, enjoy spending time with their three grandchildren and traveling. Pat also keeps in touch with his Deke brothers.

Charlie Church ’62, another athlete out of Lamar High School in Houston, played freshman football in 1958 until an injury forced him to compete in the intramural program. With a degree in petroleum land management, he worked in the oil and gas business for 28 years (still active) and in 1990 with his son, Chris, established Church Services, one of the largest service companies in Houston. Married for 49 years to Judy, their three children – all UT graduates – and one granddaughter – a junior at UT–make up the family.

Charles Scarborough ’64, ’66, served as a senior manager for the intramural program in 1960–61 and while in law school won a handball championship in the summer of 1965. Two daughters are UT grads and today Charles is a practicing attorney in Abilene, Texas. Note: Charles attended the Sept. 19

reunion and donated his senior manager sweater to RecSports.

Winner’s Circle

∆kE intRamuRal powERHousE (continued)

1959-60 Delta Kappa Epsilon Softball Runner-Up. Front (L-R): Graydon Dunlap, Dick Beeler, Pat Haragan, Gus Koerner, Frank Scarborough. Back (L-R): David Sadler, Ken Edgar, Carl Stephanow, JR Taylor, Ed Graham.

Join theLet us recognize your team with a story and a picture.

Contact Bob Childress at [email protected] or call 512-475-7180.Visit us online @ www.utrecsports.org/friends.

Winner’s Circle!

Page 2: Inside RecSports: Fall/Winter 2009

Letter

Visit our Web site and let us know “where you are” or drop by Gregory Gym the next time you’re in Austin.

From the Director

CoVER PHoToS:A few 2009–10 RecSports student employees are pictured and identified by name, job title and major.

Spotlight(1) Intramural Sports –Sports Trivia BowlCan you name the first five inductees into Baseball’s Hall of Fame? Do you know the width of the hole on an official putting green?The Intramural Sports Trivia Bowl, introduced in 1982–83, pits 32 four-person teams in a single elimination competition testing their knowledge of the world of sports and sports trivia. One more question: who is nicknamed the Tyler Rose?

(2) Outdoor Recreation –Adventure Trips Ten students took part in the ultimate experience for exploring the “big island” of Hawaii. This 10-day RecSports-sponsored adventure included several day hikes and two and a half days of exploring waterfalls, lava tubes and the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Gardens. Snorkeling with green sea turtles, body surfing and hiking the remote beaches of Hawaii were truly unique and exciting experiences for the whole group. The trip concluded with a two-day stay at Hapuna Beach, which has been ranked the number one beach in the United States for the last 12 years.

(3) Special Event –Splash Bash On Wednesday, May 6, RecSports hosted the 3rd Annual Splash Bash, a poolside party at the Gregory Gym Aquatic Complex, for all currently enrolled UT students and RecSports members. RecSports hosted the event to celebrate the end of the academic year and to provide students with the opportunity to enjoy a well-deserved study break. Free lunch and snacks were provided and live music was featured throughout the afternoon.

(4) Sport Clubs –The University of Texas Bass Team As one of 44 sport clubs sponsored by RecSports, the Bass Team actively recruits students who love to fish, enjoy competing in bass fishing tournaments and who believe in conserving fishing for future generations. The team practices catch and release, and members compete in local tournaments and national competitions. The club’s Web site at www.texasbassteam.com provides a list of sponsors, photos, results and a calendar of future events. In the photograph on the right, Bobby Frey (L) and Billy Waldschmidt (R) hold up their catch from the Falcon Lake tournament held on the Rio Grande in South Texas.

(5) Fitness/Wellness Program –TeXerciseWhat started as a simple “aerobics” class in the 1970s has evolved into a multi-faceted group exercise program known as the TeXercise program. These group classes offer students and RecSports members the opportunity to pick and choose from 120 sessions each week– all for a $75 semester fee. Some choices include Kickbox Express, Upper Body Blast, Boot Camp, TurboKick, Step Express, Ab Lab (shown on the right) and many more.

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Dear Friends: When it comes to opportunities for recreation and intramurals on a college campus, there has never been a better time to be a Texas Longhorn. The 2009 Newsweek-Kaplan College Guide clearly echoes this sentiment by recognizing UT RecSports as the top collegiate recreation program in the country. While this is indeed high praise, and in my biased opinion well deserved, it presents both opportunities and challenges.

We began the 2009–10 academic year with our 19th annual Fall Kickoff, where 50 full-time staff and 1,000 student employees were invited to come together to focus on fulfilling the organization’s mission of “committing to excellence and exceeding expectations.” The meeting stressed the importance of each individual’s role and how it takes everyone working together to realize the organization’s full potential. Fittingly, a highlight of this year’s Kickoff was the presentation of endowed scholarships to five outstanding student employees. Read inside about the donors and recipients of these prestigious awards.

Additionally, this edition highlights the evolution of the student worker and volunteers who are, without question, the lifeblood of the organization. Their outstanding service to RecSports makes it possible for the programs to accrue more the 3.5 million hours of participation each year. With more than 90 percent of undergraduates (and 93 percent of freshmen) participating annually, it is clear that the Division’s achievements are a direct result of the dedicated service of these extraordinary students.

RecSports’ partnership with students has entered its 93rd year and will continue to be vital to all future endeavors. This partnership, along with your support and participation, has made it possible for RecSports to achieve such noteworthy national status. Learn more about opportunities to participate and please continue to show your support by staying in touch, visiting campus, stopping by Gregory Gym or dropping us an e–mail. We always look forward to meeting old friends and making new ones.

Best regards,

Thomas W. DisonAssociate Vice President and Director

This edition highlights the evolution of the student worker and volunteers who are, without question, the lifeblood of the organization.

Page 3: Inside RecSports: Fall/Winter 2009

For almost a century, the Division of Recreational Sports has maintained a proud partnership with the students of The University of Texas at Austin. This partnership is evident in many ways. From providing venues and equipment for exercise and play, to student employment opportunities, to leadership development for intramural and sport club captains, RecSports has come to serve an integral role in the daily lives of students and the campus community. Though much has changed since the organization was founded, one thing has remained constant – students continue to be central to the success of this program.

The Early Years: Student Managers and Officials From the very early days under Berry Whitaker and Anna Hiss students were called upon to manage the programs. Initially one student director assisted Whi-taker and earned a varsity ‘T’ for his efforts. Trueman o’Quinn, pictured left, served as student director in 1925–26. Students were selected by the director to serve as intramu-ral officials–the first student position in the new intramural program.

From 1927–80 student managers promoted all phases of the in-tramural program, conducted the tournaments and served on the Intramural Council, a committee that is still active today. Junior and senior managers were awarded sweaters for their work with the senior managers earning a varsity ‘T’ at the end of their term.

Gordon Appleman ’59, Sigma Alpha Mu fraternity, Texas Cowboy, 1985 president of the Texas Exes, 2001 Distinguished Alumni and a member of the Recreational Sports Leadership Team, says, “My biggest thrill in college was earning a varsity letter after working three consecutive yeas as an intra-mural manager under Berry Whitaker and Sonny Rooker.”

The women’s program centered on the Sport Club Council and individual intramural team managers. These women served in leadership positions overseeing the club and intramural programs. Outstanding club leaders and intramural managers were recognized at the annual ‘T’ Nite banquet. Helen Faltin Martin was named Best Manager in 1959.

Facilities Bring New OpportunitiesWith the opening of Gregory Gymnasium in 1930 and the new women’s gymnasium in 1931, students began to fill new roles as swimming pool supervisors, f loor supervisors and grounds supervisors. Student officials were still appointed to work the intramural games.

After winning a gold medal in the 1936 Olympic Games in Berlin, Germany, Adolph Kiefer (1936–

39) enrolled at The University of Texas. He was a varsity swimmer and worked in Gregory Gym as a building attendant “sweeping f loors, picking up trash and keeping things looking nice. I earned 50

cents an hour.” Kiefer adds, “Not a day goes by that I don’t think about UT and my time working in Gregory Gym. It was one of the best jobs I ever had.”

In 1957 two student staff positions were created to oversee the facilities and programs. A swimming pool supervisor coordinated pool use while two 20-hour per week supervisor positions oversaw Gregory Gym and the Intramural Fields. Jackie Boston, an all-around intramural athlete from

Oak Grove, served as a supervisor and remembers, “We worked half time at Gregory Gym or the fields circulating, doing counts, setting up equipment and monitoring activities.”

With the addition of the Gregory Gym Annex in 1963 the need for student involvement expanded once more. New job descriptions for men included activity assistants, sport supervisors and specialty positions such as swimming pool guards, and gymnastics and weight room supervisors. The intramural official position continued to be important, so much so that an outstanding intramural official’s award was instituted in 1964.

Ed Junell ’68, ’71, the 1967–68 recipient of the Outstanding Officials award, recalls, “I can say without hesitation that intramural sports in the 1960s did more to develop strength of character and build broader and longer lasting personal relationships than any other single activity. The

program was strong, the athletes were exceptional and the competition was fierce, yet sportsmanship always prevailed. Clearly, many of those that competed have carried their leadership and competitive qualities into chosen professions and today stand among the best and brightest of The University of Texas.”

The Division of Recreational SportsIn 1972, the men’s and women’s programs combined into one administrative unit, which was named the Division of Recreational Sports. New student positions such as facility supervisors and building coordinators were created. As the programs grew, students filled positions such as outdoor guides, group exercise instructors, personal trainers and sport club supervisors. Intramural team managers remained a primary position, coordinating the activities of hundreds of groups in the Intramural Sports Program.

René Garza ’74, ’77, says, “Working as a Graduate Assistant was quite an experience and helped develop my management skills. Organizing officials and scorekeepers while trying to keep games on schedule was great training for a young person. Dealing with irate participants in a conflict

environment where there was always a winner and a loser was invaluable training in how to listen and how to manage conf lict. Finally, having great people to work with was a critical lesson in how important it is to have good people in your organization.”

Betty (Baker) Anderson ‘76, named the Outstanding Woman Off icia l in 1976, says, “Having the opportunity to officiate the intramural games at UT was not only another fun way to participate, but taught me invaluable life lessons. I had no idea at the time, how the experience of officiating would benefit me in later years. It was my first management job! It was a different time then – and as a female off iciating men’s volleyball, I learned to know my

subject well, how to defend my position and know when to rely on someone else (the linesmen) for a better perspective. When I started working, I was the only female out of 13 new hires to enter the management training program for the second largest bank in Houston. Yes, it was that long ago. Those very same lessons applied and served me well. Who knew that I would learn so much while having so much fun.”

Enriched Partnerships with StudentsOver the years, students have been involved in determining the direction and growth of RecSports. By serving on committees to build new facilities such as the Recreational Sports Center and the Gregory Gym Aquatic Complex or renovate old ones like Gregory Gym, students have provided valuable input. Special events like Party on the Plaza, Splash Bash and Dance Marathon are just a few examples of how students take the lead in developing, organizing and teaming together for a higher cause. In addition, students continue to serve in leadership positions on the Intramural Council, the Facilities Operations Council, the Sport Club Council and the Recreational Sports Committee.

David Dwyer ’91, says, “As a current staff member of The University of Texas who deals with our alumni on a daily basis, I will tell you that there is an extra sense of pride amongst those who competed in Intramurals. As a former participant, Intramural official and RecSports employee, it

is amazing the clarity in which I can remember with fondness cer ta in game situat ions and who did what under cer ta in circumstances. I am ashamed to admit, however, that my Freshman English professor remains anonymous to my memory.”

Beth Johnson ’08, says, “I was put on a staff with the most diverse, personable, fun loving, hard working individuals on this campus. My experiences as a RecSports employee gave me tangible skills and friendships that will last a lifetime.” Beth now attends the University of Georgia pursuing her

master’s in education, specializing in educational administra-tion and policy while working as a graduate assistant with the Department of Recreational Sports.

Student Service TodayToday, the Division of Recreational Sports employs over 1,000 students in some 40 different job categories. These jobs provide valuable employment training and experience in supervisory skills, communication, conf lict resolution and time management. In real terms, over $2.3 million was returned to student employees in the form of wages last year.

From a Recent Student Employee Survey• 99 percent of student employees feel that their employment with RecSports has significantly contributed to the development of their leadership skills.

• 98 percent of student employees believe that working at RecSports has contributed to their appreciation of an inclusive campus community.

• 97 percent of student employees agree that RecSports contributes to a sense of community at this institution.

• 97 percent of student employees feel that their work with RecSports contributes to their ability to apply valuable life skills.

• 73 percent of student employees are involved in other organizations or clubs on campus.

• RecSports undergraduate student employees have a higher grade point average (GPA) as compared to the typical UT student. RecSports student employees maintain a GPA of 3.21 while other students maintain a GPA of 3.10.

Student Involvement

studEnts: tHE lifEblood of REcspoRts

Page 4: Inside RecSports: Fall/Winter 2009

The Division of Recreational Sports Endowed ScholarshipIn November 2008, an anonymous gift was accepted to establish the Division of Recreational Sports Endowed Scholarship. Over the course of the past year, the founder of this scholarship has been able to witness first hand the contributions that our student employees make each and every day while managing our facilities and special events. As a token of appreciation for the students’ hard work and dedication, this donor wishes to provide a scholarship to one employee who consistently demonstrates leadership and initiative. The 2008–09 recipient of this scholarship is Fernando Cordova, a biomedical engineering major from Torreon, Coahuila, Mexico.

additional EndowEd scHolaRsHips Recreational Sports also acknowledges two additional scholarships that have been endowed and will be awarded starting in 2010.

The Mark L. Hart, Jr., Endowed ScholarshipMr. Hart was one of the truly great intramural athletes of the 1960s at The University of Texas. He competed for his fraternity, Kappa Sigma, and in law school as the quarterback for the Legal Eagles. Mark was named to the All-Intramural team 13 times in football, softball and volleyball and also excelled as a track athlete. His friends and family are honored to recognize Mark’s achievements with RecSports through this endowment that will reward the outstanding work of students employed by the Division of Recreational Sports.

The Charles & Carolyn Spence, James & Kathryn (Spence) Nance, and William (Spence) & Edith Nance Endowed Scholarship in Honor of Michael Monsoor William Nance was an integral part of the powerful Phi Gamma Delta intramural football teams in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Billy and members of his family are proud to recognize an outstanding student employee of RecSports with this endowed scholarship that was established in honor of the late United States Navy Seal Michael Monsoor who sacrificed his life in the line of duty for our country. The recipient of this scholarship must be a veteran of the United States military, enrolled in any ROTC (Reserve Officers’ Training Corps) program, committed to postgraduate military training and/or service or the child of a veteran.

DEVELOPMENT

intRamuRal wall of famE The Intramural Wall of Fame is a photo gallery of all University of Texas at Austin Intramural Champions and Runners-Up dating back to 1919. Women’s Intramural Champion photos from 1933–73 were added to this gallery in 2002. Today, men, women and coed photos from 1974 to present complete this historic record of a program nearing its 100th anniversary. The gallery is located in Gregory Gymnasium and viewing is available during operating hours of the facility.

digital wall of famEwww.utrecsportsmedia.org Through the generous donations from four individuals whose intramural accomplishments are well-documented on the Wall of Fame, a digital version of this record of champions is in progress. RecSports wishes to recognize Joe Bill Watkins, J. W. Pieper, Dr. Ken Ford and Ms. Ann (Vandivier) Brodnax for their contributions to this project. Phase one includes photos from 1950 – 85. The digital Wall of Fame can be viewed at the following Web site: www.utrecsportsmedia.org. All photos may be purchased through our host service, SmugMug, with proceeds benef itting the Recreational Sports Excellence Fund.

At the 2009 Fall Kickoff for student staff, Recreational Sports was pleased to award five $1,000 scholarships to student employees who demonstrated outstanding leadership and dedication to the organization. Below, each scholarship is described and the recipients are named.

The Thomas W. Dison Endowed ScholarshipOn April 30, 2006, the Board of Regents accepted a gift from René Garza and Michael Carnes to establish the Thomas W. Dison Endowed Scholarship. Both René and Mike attribute much of their business success to the life lessons learned while working for RecSports during their student years. They established this endowment as a way to recognize Tom for the leadership he has provided to students over the years and to assist those students working their way through school. The two recipients of the Dison scholarship are Shanky Balani, a senior computer science major from Brownsville, Texas, and Joanna Thaler, an English major from Elgin, Texas.

The Kenneth Ford Family Endowed ScholarshipIn October 2008, the Board of Regents accepted a gift from the Ford Family to establish the Kenneth Ford Family Endowed Scholarship. Three generations of Fords—Kenny Ford ’40, Dr. Kenneth B. Ford, Jr., ’69 and Casey Ford ’00— distinguished themselves in the Intramural Sports Progam and earned a spot on the Intramural Wall of Fame. The recipient of the Ford Family Scholarship is Melissa Murphy, a pre-pharmacy major from Houston, Texas, who has worked for the Division for the past two years.

The Sylvie and Gary Crum Endowed ScholarshipIn January 2009, the Board of Regents accepted a gift from Sylvie and Gary Crum of Houston to establish the Sylvie and Gary Crum Endowed Scholarship. Both Sylvie, with a BA from the College of Liberal Arts, and Gary, with an MBA in finance from the McCombs School of Business, have a special admiration for club sports and especially for lacrosse. This couple sees the value of sports in the overall collegiate experience and is proud to award a scholarship to an outstanding student employee.The recipient of the Sylvie and Gary Crum Endowed Scholarship is Fitness/Wellness staff member Lauren Huelskamp, a senior from Albuquerque, N. M., who is working on a master’s degree in professional accounting.

For information contact Bob Childress, campus relations coordinator for RecSports, at: [email protected] or 512- 475-7180. To learn more about RecSports scholarships, the Excellence Fund endowment and other opportunities, please visit www.utrecsports.org/friends.

A Message from Joe Bill WatkinsChair, RecSports Leadership TeamAs the Campaign for Texas enters its third year of an eight-year effort to raise $3 billion for the University, I ask you to please consider the Division of Recreational Sports as an option for giving. Those of us who have committed the time and effort to the RecSports Leadership Team strongly believe that this program is central to the University experience of each and every student. In fact, Newsweek-Kaplan College Guide named UT RecSports the top collegiate recreational sports program in the United States. I invite you to read about the success to-date and to join in our future efforts to support this program that contributes to the University’s mission of transforming lives.

All the best,Joe Bill Watkins ’65, ’68

studEnt scHolaRsHips

2008-09 scholarship winners (L-R): Fernando Cordova, Joanna Thaler, Lauren Huelskamp, Melissa Murphy and Shanky Balani.

Development Corner

REcspoRts opEn HousEGregory GymnasiumSaturday, Sept. 19, 2009

Members of the Intramural Wall of Fame representing the Recruits of the 60s, were some of the nearly 100 visitors who attended the Open House hosted by RecSports in September. John Angel l, former participant, graduate assistant and employee with UT RecSports, traveled from Colorado to make the reunion. In all, 10 ex-Recruits made it back to campus.

The Acacia group from the late 60s/early 70s had a great turnout with eight members in attendance. This group is already planning a special gathering before the Kansas game on Nov. 21 to complete the “Acacia Fraternity Endowed

Recruits alumni (L-R): Mike Angell, Delbert Cox, Herman Jesko and John Angell.

Acacia group (L-R): Harry Craig, Mike Hood, Jim Shelton, Joan Dunlap, Tom Shelton, Jim Holloway, David Dunlap and René Garza.

RecSports Campus Relations Coordinator Bob Childress (R), visits with Eric Willis ‘94 and his wife, Sandra.

Scholarship with the Division of Recreational Sports.” This scholarship, like six before it, will assist students who work for RecSports with their college expenses.

A special feature of this open house was a short program featuring Joe Bill Watkins, the chair of the RecSports Leadership Team, who delivered an update on the progress of the development efforts over the last two years. He also provided an update on the six endowed scholarships and the sale of the Gregory Gym pavers, whose proceeds will benefit the RecSports Excellence Fund. Joe Bill also announced a pledge by Ann (Vandivier) Brodnax and Linda (McCalla) Williams to begin the Women in Intramural Fund. Their effort is the first of many that will provide funding for an intramural endowment.

Page 5: Inside RecSports: Fall/Winter 2009

gREgoRy gym pavERsBe one of the first to become a permanent part of Gregory Gym by purchasing a paver. Each engraved paver will be installed at the entrance of Gregory Gym to be viewed and enjoyed by students and visitors for years to come.

Personalized pavers are a unique way to honor loved ones, commemorate special events and recognize student organizations, intramural championships and sport club teams, as well as a way to contribute to this special time in Recreational Sports’ storied history. All funds collected through this program will be directed to the Recreational Sports Excellence Fund, which is used in the areas of greatest need.

Pavers are available in five sizes and can be purchased online or by mail. For details log on to www.utrecsports.org/friends.

The first installation of tiles will be completed when the first section of tiles have been purchased. The anticipated date of installation is summer 2010.

1940s/1950sAvis Johnson ’57,

’58, was one of the

most dominating fast

pitch softball pitchers

in UT intramural

history. On May 3, 1958, The Daily

Texan reported, “University all-star

hurler Avis Johnson achieved his

usual job – another no-hitter– to spark

his Delta Tau Delta mates to a 4–0

class A triumph over Phi Kappa Psi

Monday night at Whitaker Fields.”

Softball championships in 1955,

1957 and 1959 highlight Avis’

intramural career that also involved

football, basketball and volleyball.

He also excelled for the UTSAM club

softball team. In addition to playing

softball all over the United States

until he was 55 years old, Avis was

very successful in the insurance

industry. Avis and wife Sondra live in

Frisco, Texas.

Joe Foster ’53,

’56, a self-employed

attorney who today

“practices a little law

now and then” in

Fort Worth, Texas, won a volleyball

championship for Sigma Chi in 1952–

53, was named to the all-intramural

volleyball team and received the

Evans Sportsmanship Trophy in

1954–55. He also played for the

UTSAM fast-pitch softball team

under Sonny Rooker’s leadership.

“We were the only college soft-

ball team invited to the nationals

in Wichita Falls, Texas, in 1955,”

remembers Joe.

1960s

Charles Lummus

’66, ’68, was All-Uni-

versity runner-up with

the 1964-65 Baptist

Student Union softball

team and runner-up to the Phi Delts in

basketball the next year playing with

the Epicureans. He is now a retired

attorney in Cleburn, Texas. Charles’

son Mark was a pitcher for Texas

from 1990–94 and now scouts for the

Seattle Mariners. His daughter, Kim,

played basketball for the Lady Horns

from 1995–99.

Beverly (Cox)

Taylor ’61, is married

to JR Taylor (see

Winner’s Circle on

back page) and was

very successful in her own right with

Alpha Chi Omega. She appears four

times on the Wall of Fame – swimming

champion (1958), badminton doubles

champion (1959), and runner-up in vol-

leyball and touch football (1960).

Mark Hart, Jr.,

’65, ’68, was one of

the great intramural

athletes of the 1960s.

He quarterbacked his

fraternity, the Kappa Sigs, as well as

the Legal Eagles, to many victories and

was all-intramural for softball five years

running, for football four straight years

and for volleyball two years. After

beginning his law career with Vinson &

Elkins LLP in Houston, he moved back

to his hometown of Fort Worth, Texas,

where he became managing partner for

the firm of Kelly, Hart & Hallman.

1970s

Wendy Zamutt ’79,

softball champion in

1978 with the Physical

Education majors, went

to graduate school in

San Diego, Calif., earning a master’s of

science in forensic science. Today, she

owns a bail bond agency in San Diego

called the Bail Bond Woman. She says,

“I meet all my defendants while in cus-

tody and try to teach them that their lives

can only turn around from this point.”

Wendy also notes, “I refer to my clients

as people that made errors in judgment

rather than criminals.”

1980s

Bill Holland ’80,

played on all three

Wombat softball cham-

pionship teams as well

as the 1976 football

champs. Two daughters attended

UT. Carrie ’08, earned a master’s in

structural engineering and won three

coed soccer championships. Stacy is a

sophomore in civil engineering and has

two intramural soccer championships to

date. Bill, a CPA working for the Texas

Youth Commission as support services

manager in Austin, began as an intramu-

ral official in 1976 and worked college

basketball for 16 years. He still officiates

high school football and has worked one

state championship.

Mike Armour ’83,

basketball champion

with the Icemen, is

married to Pamela

(UT Law ’94) and

has four boys ages five to 13. He

owns the Armour Appraisal Group

and is very active in his boys’ youth

sports. “I remember having to guard

Kenneth Sims, future first pick in

the NFL draft, in a playoff game,”

he recalls. “The first time he got the

ball down low and turned into me,

I quickly realized why the NFL was

so interested in him,” he notes. Mike

and Pamela live in Austin.

Jeff Shipper ’83,

won back-to-back

basketball cham-

pionships with the

Icemen in 1980 and

1981. He is married to Janis, has a

10-year-old son and is the principal

owner of Panther Pipeline, Ltd. in

Tomball, Texas.

1990sJulie (Cox) orton

’93, ’96, daughter

of Delbert Cox of

the Recruits, won

women’s volleyball

four years in a row, two competitive

coed volleyball championships and

one basketball championship during

her UT career. Today, Julie teaches

in the Pflugerville Independent

School District and still plays volley-

ball. She and husband Curtis have

three children – Alex, 14, Hailey, 10,

and Isabella, two.

fRiEnds of REcspoRts donoRsThe Division of Recreational Sports is pleased to acknowledge the following individuals and businesses for their generous contributions received between Sept. 1, 2008–Oct. 1, 2009. Gifts to RecSports support student development initiatives, contribute to student leadership opportunities and help to ensure our commitment to excellence. Note: Donations to the Sport Club Program are not included.

Go to www.utrecsports.org/whereareyou to let us know what you’re up to.

Fast ForwardWhere Are YOU Now? Lost touch with former intramural teammates or fellow RecSports employees? Want to find out what happened to your old workout buddies? Here’s what some of you are doing now:

Arthur W. Adams

David P. Alter

Kelley E. Anderson

R Gordon Appleman

Frank A. Bailey III

Ken Baines

Ronald D. Bandy

Sid R. Bass

Jay Currie Bechtol III

Beth Bergman

F. Richard Bernasek

George M. Berry

William E. Blood

Ann Vandivier Brodnax

Stanley Burnham, Ed.D.

Natalie E. Butler

Donald F. Carnes

Louis S. Casey, Jr.

J. Winston Chapman, Jr.

Richard Chen

William R. Childs

Gareth Cook

Gary and Sylvie Crum

F. Ferrell Davis

Mr. & Mrs. Stanley W. Dison

William J. Donovan

Bob Dosher

Michael R. Eledge

Billie J. Ellis, Jr.

Ed H. Esquivel

Gary E. Fendler

Kenneth B. Ford, Jr., M.D.

Chelsea L. Fosse

Watson W. Fung

Meredith and Craig Garner and Family

Kevin R. Garrett

René A. Garza

Bill Gibson

Marion and Bennett Glazer

Matthew B. Golden

Robert C. Grable

Bert Graham in Memory of Glenn Graham

Jerry R. Grammer, Ph.D.

Thomas A. Graves

Russell Gregory

Charles H. Grube

Franklin D. Guidone

Brian J. Haley

William P. Hallman, Jr.

Bill E. Halstead

Mark W. Hanna

Mark L. Hart III

David T. Hedges, Jr.

Roger C. Henderson

Lisa C. Henken

Jack Holford

Holt Atherton Educational Foundation, Inc.

Richard Houstoun

John K. Howard

Robert Joe Hull

Stacy G. Hunt

Admiral B. R. Inman

Robert C. Ittner

Calvin M. Jackson

John W. Jett

William E. Junell, Jr.

Mark B. Kellner

Mark B. Kellner in Honor of Trevor and Elaine Pearlman

Kelly Hart & Hallman LLP

Dee J. Kelly, Jr.

Jack Kendall

Darric M. Knight

Susan E. Kohl

Eddie Krieger

Weir Labatt III

Charles Lambeth

John S. Landrum

David D. Livingston

Keith Maitland

Anne and John Marion

Steve T. Matthews

Trent G. McBride

Mike McCollum

Erin McLemore

Stephen A. Morris

Mosquito Defense Systems

Christopher J. Mudd

Mark L. Murdock

James K. Nance, Jr.

Mary K. Naranjo

Tommy Nelms

C.C. “Jitter” Nolen

Dick Obenhaus

David A. Ott

Lesa B. Oudt

Carol Ann and Robert W. Paddock Fund

Thomas C. Paget

Charles Parker

The William C. Perry and Paul A. Nelson Charitable Fund of the Community Foundation of North Texas

J. W. Pieper

Manning B. “Buddy” Pletz

Shirley Hoffman Quincy

Michael P. Raab

The Rainwater Charitable Foundation

Keshav Rajagopalan

Donald F. Robillard, Jr.

Andy Rogers

Sally S. Russo

R. Daniel Settle, Jr.

Ford Smith, Sr.

Robert M. Speed

Roy M. Spence, Jr.

Nancy & John Snyder Foundation

Dee Steer

Mr. and Mrs. John M. Stevenson

Charles H. Still

Robert C. Sturdivant

James W. Talbot

Michael D. Thompson

Rita F. Thornton

Hall E. Timanus, Jr.

Richard L. Tingley

Terry W. Tingley

Wallace G. Tingley, Jr.

Courtney Townsend

Jasen M. Trautwein

Frank Van Court

The Vermillion Family Foundation Inc.

Jim A. Wade

Scott G. Waldman

Joe Bill Watkins

Craig H. Wax

Jake Weatherford

Walter V. Williams

Richard Williamson

Michael A. Windle

James R. Woodworth

John H. Young

Gerald R. Zwernemann

Recreational Sports recognizes the generosity of Bennett and Marion Glazer for their lead gift of $100,000 to the RecSports Excellence Fund.

siZE: 8”x 4”donation: $250linEs of tExt: 3

siZE: 8” x 8”donation: $500linEs of tExt: 4

siZE: 12” x 8”donation: $750linEs of tExt: 4

siZE: 16” x 8”donation: $1,000linEs of tExt: 5

siZE: 16” x 16”donation: $2,500linEs of tExt: 6

commEmoRativE pavERs

Page 6: Inside RecSports: Fall/Winter 2009

All-Intramural Teams

“and I also worked in the Texas Union for 90 cents an hour.” He spent 14 years in the U.S. Marine Corps after graduation and then f lew for Southwest Airlines until retiring to Trophy Club, Texas.

Tom Hilton, Jr. ’67, two-time Class A softball champion for the Recruits in addition to football, was named first team All- Intramural in football and softball. Following graduation he went to work as a programmer with then Southwestern Bell. A long career with Southwestern Bell /AT&T took him to St. Louis, Mo., New Jersey, Chicago, Ill., St. Louis again and finally San Antonio. He retired in 2003 as vice president of sales and today lives in Horseshoe Bay, Texas.

Mike Hamm ’69, a varsity football player from Baylor University, helped the Outlaws defeat former UT quarterback Mike Cotton in some fierce contests. Mike’s career took him to Arthur Young as an accountant, to the University of Houston as a teacher, to Allied Chemical and finally to Houston as an attorney. Today, Mike and his wife, Madeleine, are retired in Houston.

Herman Jesko ’68, former football champion with Prather dorm, played for the Recruits in football, track and softball. Named to the all-intramural teams in football and softball, he also was a member of the Outlaws. Jesko still practices law in Amarillo, Texas, although he says, “I don’t practice as long or as hard as I used to. I’m trying to keep up with my grandkids.”

Carroll Glaser ’67, a six-man football player out of Bucholz, Texas, excelled as a fast pitch softball pitcher and football player for the Recruits and the Outlaws. He has practiced law for 42 years in Rockdale, Texas. Carroll and wife Sandy have three children and nine grandkids. “We were just good old country boys who had a good time playing sports,” he notes.

Paul Peebles ’67, former Texas Christian University (TCU) varsity football player, joined forces with the Outlaws to play intramural football. Paul spent some 25 years as a trial lawyer and today still mediates cases. Paul’s son graduated from TCU and UT law school.

John Angell ’70, ’73, came to UT in 1965 and took over as manager of the Recruits. He was named Best All-Around Athlete twice and won championships in multiple sports. After 17 years in recreational sports administration, John is now the director of human resources for the City of Glenwood

Springs, Colo. His wife, Verlinda, is an educational consultant; daughter Kelly and her four children live in Greeley, Colo.; and son Ryan works for Honeywell in New Orleans, La.

REcRuits: Team of the DecadeIn 1962 Intramural Director Sonny Rooker organized a group of free agents into a football team he called the Recruits. Led by Delbert Cox and Mike Angell, and later Mike’s brother John, this athletic-minded group excelled in intramurals, winning the All-Year Trophy for the independent division six consecutive years and seven out of 10 years between 1962 and 1972. The core group continued competing while in law school as the Outlaws, pictured below.

Delbert Cox ’65, ’66, was elected as the captain for the Recruits in ’62 and led this group to numerous championships. Starting his UT career as a junior, he was involved as a manager, an official and an All-Intramural player. In law school his Outlaws football team beat the Legal Eagles and won the law school championship in 1964 and 1965. Following a brief stint working for Sonny Rooker, Del returned to his roots in Refugio, Texas, and worked as an attorney. In his career, Delbert served on the Governor’s Council for Physical Fitness for four years, acted as president for his area UT alums and attended Longhorn games as well as the UIL meets. Of note: Del’s two daughters graduated from UT. One was in the band and the other surpassed Del’s accomplishments in intramurals (see Julie Cox Orton on previous page).

Sykes Houston ’65, ’68, named Best All-Around Athlete in 1964–65, played multiple sports for the Recruits and was a member of the champion football team the Outlaws in law school. In 1971 he joined the Federal Bureau of Investigation and is now retired in Austin, Texas, after a 30-year career.

Mike Angell ’66, ’68, played and coached the Recruits, noting, “I always liked to coach; I was pretty aggressive and I loved sports.” As a 123 lb. wrestling champion, Mike proved his point. As a law student with Delbert, Sykes and others, these Recruits formed a football team they called the Outlaws and defeated the perennial champions, the Legal Eagles, twice in three years. After four years in the Navy, Mike worked for the government, ending up as a chief administrative judge for the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. David, the oldest son, ran track at UT, daughter Kim was a national class runner and youngest son Reagan played soccer and today coaches in Plano, Texas.

Doyle Nicholson ’66, played for the Recruits after first playing for the student housing cooperatives Royal Co-op and Theleme Co-op.“I did a lot of refereeing for Sonny Rooker,” he remembers,

dElta kappa EpsilonIntramural PowerhouseFrom 1959–60 to 1962–63 the ∆KE fraternity finished first in the All-Year Trophy Point race. Managed by Dick Beeler and then Tommy Hurst, these men competed and excelled in all phases of intramural sports. “It was just part of the culture then to play intramural sports,” says Dick. “We all enjoyed all intra-mural activities while at UT,” adds Tom. Dick was the inaugural winner of the Whitaker Leadership Award in 1960 and Tom won the award in 1962.

Dick Beeler ’61, in addition to the All-University football cham-pionship and second place finishes in basketball and softball, also won handball four times and was a member of the national champion UT handball club in 1959–60. He was named the Best All-Around Athlete (fraternity division) in 1959–60. After a stint in the Air Force, Dick spent 40 years building a real estate development corporation in Houston. Three children and 10 grandchildren, along with “trying to keep my golf handicap in single digits,” keep him busy. His grandson, Richard Beeler III, attends UT.

Tom Hurst ’63, team manager, Wall of Fame member in several sports and Whitaker Award winner, married Amanda Stuart after graduation. He worked 37 years with the Industrial Tool Division, Dresser Industries Inc., serving as president the last 15 years. Tom is now retired in Spring, Texas, and stays busy keeping up with all the sports activities of his seven grandsons from his three children – Holly (UT grad), Raymond and Amanda (Texas A&M University graduates).

Frank Scarborough ’60, ’61, says, “Besides Plan II and law school, I majored in intramurals.” A five-sport athlete, Frank recalls, “We had a great run while I was there and I was proud to be a part of the Deke program and a Legal Eagle.” Frank is an attorney at Glandon & Scarborough, P.C. in Abilene, Texas.

A Family AffairMac Allen ’79, ’82, member of he Advocates

law-grad volleyball team, joined the family banking/

real estate business in 1982 and then entered the

Army as a JAG (Judge Advocate General’s Corps)

officer in 1989. Following a stint in Washington,

D.C., as a prosecutor, he now lives and works in Austin with

RunTex where he does a little legal work but focuses on his own

running and coaching other runners. Mac’s family ties with UT and

RecSports are remarkable. Jasper Arnold, his great-grandfather,

graduated from UT Law in 1890. His mother, Raye

(Virginia McCreary) Allen ’51, ’75, was an

intramural champion in three sports as well as a

member of the Canter Club. Mac’s

dad, H.K. Allen ’48, ’50, ’52, was

an intramural track and basketball champion, played

football at UT and roomed with Tom Landry on road

trips. The Big XII trophy case was donated to Athletics

by the Allen family in honor of his dad. Mac’s brother, Henry Kiper

Allen Jr. ’78, ’81, played with Delta Tau Delta and his sister, Raye

“Ginger” Allen Cucolo, played intramurals with Kappa Kappa

Gamma. The family’s newest UT grad is Raye “Mackie” McCreary

Cucolo, ’09. All told, the family has earned 15 degrees from UT.

Winner’s CircleTeam of the Decade

1965-66 Class A Football Champions–Recruits. Front (L-R): Mike Angell, Mike Hamm, Jerry Setliff, Tom Hilton, Robort Dorotik. Back (L-R): Doyle Nicholson, Cue Boykin, Mike Collins, Jack Mowrey, Delbert Cox, Herman Jesko

1960–61 Delta Kappa Epsilon Football Champions. (L-R): Tom Hurst, Jim Berly, Spencer Murchison, Charles Keller, Dick Beeler, Jack Kamrath, Graydon Dunlap, Gus Koerner, Frank Scarborough, Charles Church.

outlaws–1964 Law School Champions. (L-R): Paul Peebles, Mark Perrin, Ronnie Earle, Carroll Glaser, Herman Jesko, Delbert Cox, Mike Angell, Dan Flatten, Mike Hamm.

Five former a l l intramural athletes attended the RecSports Open House last September.

Lynn Carter ’60, played multiple sports for Kappa Sigma earning All-Intramural recognition in football and basketball and excel-ling in track.

J.W. Pieper ’60, was named to the All-Intramural football team four years running while playing with Navy ROTC. He also excelled in track, dueling Lynn Carter in the high jump and long jump and winning the 100 yd. dash three times.

Joe Bill Watkins ’65, ’68, played intramurals for his Delta Tau Delta fraternity and was named to nine All-Intramural teams. In 1963–64, he earned this honor in four sports – football, volleyball, basketball and water basketball - and was named Best All-Around Athlete in 1964 –65.

Larry Sikes ’59, ’62, known as “Tree” by his cohorts, played basketball and volleyball for the Kappa Sigs, earning All-Intra-mural recognition in both sports. He also ran track.

Jack Kyle ’59, a Kappa Sig athlete, appears 10 times in multiple sports on the Intramural Wall of Fame over a six-year intramural career. He was named Best All-Around Athlete ’61.

(L-R): Lynn Carter, J.W. Pieper, Joe Bill Watkins, Larry Sikes, Jack Kyle.

Coming soon: All-Intramural teams online at www.utrecsportsmedia.org.