Rec. Sports Historical Time Line

1975

The Department of Recreation and Intramural Sports is established within the Division of Student Affairs. Staff consists of two professional staff members. Ralph Bender is hired as the first director of the department; Julia Sutherland is hired to coordinate the intramural sports program.

Department offices established in the "pool house."

Recreation facilities include the "tin" gym (built in 1929), the swimming pool (built in the 1930's), tennis courts, and use of McCarthy Gym after 3:00 pm. Flag football and softball are played at different locations around campus (north of Evans Hall, behind McCarthy Gym, and the Intramural Sports fields located along Stone Boulevard beginning behind Dorman Hall and extending to Blackjack Road.

1976

Staff expands with the addition of a clerical support staff member and three graduate assistants.

1979

Staff expands with the addition of an assistant director for facilities. Graduate assistant positions eliminated.

1980

Lobby of McCarthy Gym renovated to accommodate departmental offices.

Support staff expands with the addition of a facilities assistant.

1985

Laura Walling hired as assistant director for intramural sports.

1986

Ruth Nowlin hired as administrative secretary.

1987

Department name truncated to Recreational Sports.

1990

Staff expands with the hiring of Jeannine Wilson (Reed) as an additional administrative secretary position.

1992

Staff expands with addition of an associate director position (Laura Walling); Chris Chance assumes supervision of the intramural sports program.

Five new tennis courts are added to the existing courts south of McCarthy Gym and named to honor former Bulldog tennis coach Tom Sawyer.

1993

Laura Walling becomes director with the sudden departure of Ralph Bender.

Joe Frank Sanderson gives the university a $6 million gift to fund the building of a student recreation center.

The university approves the construction of a $3 million outdoor facility located on south farm.

1994

Staff expands with the addition of graduate assistants and a program coordinator, Ricky Stone.

1995

Staff expands with the addition of an assistant director for aquatics.

The department assumes responsibility for the Center for Alcohol and Drug Education (CADE).

1996

In July, construction of the Joe Frank Sanderson Center begins on the north side of campus.

In August, construction of The RecPlex begins on the south side of campus.

Staff expands with the addition of another administrative secretary, Shirley Flowers. Greg Altorfer is added to the staff as the Assistant Director for Fitness.

1998

The RecPlex opens on March 3.

The Joe Frank Sanderson Center opens on June 1.

Staff expands with the addition of building maintenance supervisor Phillip Collins.

Field area along Stone Boulevard that had previously been used for intramural competition becomes location for sport club team practices and competition.

1999

As an undergraduate student, Brent Crocker assumes management of the natatorium of the Sanderson Center.

Staff expands with the addition of two custodial supervisors and six custodians (including Carrie Thomas).

2000

The Joe Frank Sanderson Center is named an "Outstanding Recreation Facility" by the National Intramural/Recreational Sports Association (NIRSA).

2001

The RecPlex is named an "Outstanding Recreation Facility" by NIRSA.

2002

Patrik Nordin replaces Veda Sargent as the manager of facilities; Brent Crocker is hired in a full time capacity as the aquatics manager.

2004

Rec. Sports assumes management of the Big Dawg Adventure Challenge Course.

CADE is transferred to the Longest Student Health Center.

2005

Nick Tasich joins the staff as the intramural sports and club sports supervisor.

Construction of the Bulldog Disc Golf Park completed.

The department begins offering Outdoor Adventure activities including trips, clinics, and gear rental.

2006

Fitness services are expanded with the completion of Level II and the spinning studio.

The "Tin Gym" and the swimming pool are razed for construction of an academic building.

Recreational Sports assumes management of the MSU Golf Course. Billy Hoffman and Tracy Henry join the staff from the course.

2007

Recreational Sports co-sponsors the highly successful Bulldogs in Motion program on campus with over 600 participants.

In May, Tony Luczak joins the staff as the Director of Golf.

In July, former graduate assistant Jason Townsend joins the staff as the Assistant Director for Fitness, and Tony Fields joins the staff as the Recreation Facilities Coordinator.

The Sanderson Center is voted the "Best Fitness Center" in the state of Mississippi by Mississippi Magazine, July/August edition.