Autumn on Campus | Photo by Monica Brutto | The Wright State Guardian
For students hoping to try outdoor trips, intramural sports leagues or fitness classes, the Wright State University recreation program is providing opportunities this fall season.
Outdoor trips
WSU outdoor recreation program manager Erin Sherrets provided examples of weekend- and week-long trip opportunities available through campus recreation.
On Friday, Oct. 21 starting at 6 p.m., campus recreation, in collaboration with Astronomy Club, are hosting a stargazing campout at John Bryan State Park. According to Sherrets, this is a low impact event with eating, stargazing and camping.
On Saturday, Nov. 5 at 9 a.m., the group will take a trip around Dayton to visit and hike different waterfalls.
“So, what many people don’t know is there are six waterfalls all within an hour of Dayton and campus,” Sherrets confirmed.
The Dolly Sods weekend backpacking trip will be from Thursday, Nov. 10 until Sunday, Nov. 13 at Dolly Sods Wilderness in W. Va. This is an all-inclusive event with transportation, guides, meals and equipment at a $250 fee.
Campus recreation provides transportation and training recommendations for higher impact trips, according to Sherrets. Billy Willis, associate director of campus recreation, also mentioned the affordability of the trips provided through the university.
After exam week, from Saturday, Dec. 10 until Saturday, Dec. 17, campus recreation will have skilled trip leaders to go sea kayaking in 10,000 Islands, Fla. at $499 with a $100 deposit. Sherrets clarified that students will be able to see land at every point on the water.
“We’ll kayak from beach to beach and stay on private islands you can only access by boat, and so we’ll have campfires on beaches, it’d be real pristine wilderness, and it’s a different type of backcountry experience instead of our backpacking trips,” Sherrets described.
At the beginning of the new year, the group will trek through The Long Trail, Vt. on a snowshoeing and backpacking trip at an intermediate/strenuous level. Other activities in Mich., Ariz. and Mad River Mountain will also be available during this time.
Sherrets explained the benefits of longer, more advanced trips.
“That is the stage of your life where you become a better person, and you learn more about yourself, and you grow being in that uncomfortable zone; so, that challenge of being in the cold and also hiking with the pack really stimulates and promotes that,” Sherrets said.
Intramural sports
Graduate assistant for intramural sports Benett McEwen mentioned further campus recreation opportunities through intramural sports.
According to McEwen, there are multiple championship nights this week, including soccer, volleyball and flag football. Students can register for teams, including a three-versus-three wheelchair basketball team, and other intramural opportunities on the IMLeagues site.
Later this month on Oct. 28, the Student Government Association will be collaborating with campus recreation for a wiffle ball tournament.
Other opportunities
Student Union and campus recreation director Eric Corbitt also mentioned self-directed opportunities at the fitness center and pool.
Willis noted that there are approximately 30 fitness classes offered per week currently. These classes, alongside climbing wall options, are free to students.
For more information, students can visit the campus recreation Engage page, IMLeagues or the outdoor resource center site. The campus recreation offices are located at 092 SU with a phone number of 937-775-5527.
