Rock Climbing Club | Photo by Arden Reimer | The Wright State Guardian
Whether you are completely new, a total gym rat or somewhere in between, campus recreation has a program for you.
All are welcome
Campus recreation strives to create an environment that is welcoming for all students, regardless of where they may be on their fitness journey. With many options readily available, there is truly something to peak the interest of everyone.
The ultimate goal within the campus recreation community is to keep students active. Associate Director of Campus Recreation Billy Willis summarizes this objective.
“Our overall goal is to get our students involved and connected to campus through healthy and fun activities,” Willis said.
Willis goes on to share that the programs have many lessons to teach that are outside of the classroom but just as important.
The wide range of campus recreation facilities include the fitness center, swimming pool and rock climbing wall, among others. Each facility has its own set of activities to satisfy anyone’s recreational and active lifestyle needs.
If being outside is more interesting, campus recreation has that covered too.
Outdoor Recreation Program Manager Erin Compaleo gave some examples of off-campus activities students can engage in.
“There are a variety of backpacking and national parks, whitewater rafting, rock climbing, kayaking, hiking, so lots of different opportunities. If people want to stay local, we have those options,” Compaleo said.
When deciding to take advantage of local or national trips, students must pay a fee to join the fun. Both Compaleo and Willis explained that the fee is not for campus recreation to make a profit but rather to cover costs of the activities. The fee covers everything necessary for the trip (transportation, equipment and food), making it all-inclusive.
Tackling mental health
With many students trying to balance classes, work, family and social obligations, stress is seemingly inevitable.
Willis confirms this sentiment.
“You know, obviously, mental health is a huge issue that we're seeing, and we know that working out and participating in recreational activities is definitely a big way to curb some of that and provide stress relief and ability to connect people together and connect to campus,” Willis said.
Staying connected and reaching out to others for help during our most stressful moments is how we can keep one another on track. Chris Lynch, an employee of the Outdoor Resource Center and Manager of the Climbing Gym, also discussed how staying active can positively impact mental health.
“We’re all here for personal growth and to have a really good time. We’re not here to climb for ego,” Lynch said. “Climbing is a great space to let loose, or some even come to train. It’s a great way to work out your body and your mind.”
Looking forward
For more information on specific campus recreation dates and times, students can visit the campus recreation calendar. To sign up for campus recreation events or activities, go to IMLeagues.
