alumni

The Georgia Southern team of Wesley Maples and Jed Thigpen won the final qualifying National Guard FLW College Fishing Southeast Division event on Lake Chickamauga with six bass weighing 12 pounds, 3 ounces. The victory earned the team $10,000 and helped them advance to the Southeast Division Regional Championship. (Photo by Diana Hunt)

 

The Georgia Southern team of Wesley Maples and Jed Thigpen won the final qualifying National Guard FLW College Fishing Southeast Division event on Lake Chickamauga Saturday with six bass weighing 12 pounds, 3 ounces. The victory earned the team $10,000 to be split evenly between the university and the university's bass-fishing club. The win also helped them advance to the Southeast Division Regional Championship where they could ultimately win a Ranger 177TR with a 90-horsepower engine wrapped in school colors for their school's bass club and $25,000 for the school they represent. (Full Article)

To all my CRI family,
My journey working at the RAC and for CRI was over a three year period. I was a sophomore in college when I started and I left when I graduated. Over my hears working with CRI, I learned that excuses were not what supervisors and managers wanted to hear. I realized that the professional staff wanted to see results. With that in mind, I took each day I worked as a new day. I did my best to challenge myself with each shift I worked. I wanted to make sure that not only the staff was taken care of, but also that the customer felt valued, respected, and appreciated.

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When I came to work, I did my best to leave my issues at the door. I did not want to bring the outside world into my place of employment. I always tried my hardest to let each day at work remind me of how fortunate I was. When I had a bad day, I looked forward to coming to work. To me, the RAC was an escape. I was not bogged down with school work or problems with friends or family. The RAC provided me a family away from my parents and friends. The more that I started working at the RAC, the more enjoyment and pleasure I found. I realized that the growth potential was limitless.

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The professional staff saw potential in me during my first year. I was invited to attend the leadership conference at GSU that year. This was when my mind changed about working. After a wonderful conference, I realized that the staff saw potential in me and it was my responsibility to go take advantage of it. From that point, I wanted to have my presence be felt so I applied myself to the position. I constantly picked up special events shifts because it was a way to learn more. I also realized that the more time I spent at the RAC, the happier I was.

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I quickly turned my focus from school to work. This was my decision, but it was not a hard one for me to make. I have always thought that my work ethic would take me farther in life than school ever would. With that in mind, my attitude changed. When I was promoted to facility manager, I remember the joy and excitement that came to my life. I realized that what I had worked towards for a year and a half finally came true.

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Over the next year and a half as a manager, I did everything in my power to deeper invest myself and learn from my peers. There was never a day that I was not working forward to coming in to work. CRI surrounded me with employees who had career aspirations. With these employees, I was able to learn from them and through them so that I could further develop myself. For three years, CRI was my life. It was my second home. It was my family. The day that I realized that I had to leave, I cried. I thought about adding another major so I could continue to stay and further grow. However, I realized that it was my time to go.
As I sit and reflect on my time working with CRI, it was the BEST 3 years of my life. I wouldn't have changed it for anything in the world. Now that I have been removed from CRI for several months, I can honestly say that I miss it. I miss the people, the environment and the escape from reality. I realize that my success was not because of what I did. My success came from those who invested time and effort into me. Now that I am in a difference spot in my life, I realize what they staff truly meant to me. I am thankful for the opportunity that was given to me. CRI has been by far the best job that I have every had; to leave it at that is an understatement though because it is so much more than a job. CRI was my way of life; it was truly my home away from home.

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CRI till you die!
Eric Schladt

Three teams represented Georgia Southern University at the Georgia Collegiate Basketball Championships at Georgia State University, including two Men's teams and one Women's team. Georgia Southern teams worked hard to represent around program and university well, and were successful in finishing among the top teams in the tournament. The Monstars achieved the most success, advancing to the Men's Championship game where they finished as the Men's Runner-Up after a loss to the Universtiy of West Georgia. Lady Elite finished the tournament as a Women's Semifinalist, losing in the semi-finals to the University of Georgia. 40 M.O.H. competed well in the Men's division and fell in the first round of playoffs with a devastating one-point loss to its opponent. All-Tournament Team selections from Georgia Southern including William Hill (The Monstars) and LaNise Essick (Lady Elite).

Three teams represented Georgia Southern University at the NCCS Regional Basketball Championships at Georgia Tech in Atlanta, Georgia, including two Men's teams and one Women's team. The Monstars avenged their loss in the state championship game to the University of West Georgia early in the regional tournament and went on to easily claim the regional title as the Men's Champions of the tournament. As regional champions, The Monstars earned a trip to the NCCS National Basketball Championships at Vanderbuilt University in April. 40 M.O.H. also competed in the Men's division and felt a sense of deja vu as they saw a repeat of their fate in the state tournament, falling in the early rounds of the playoffs with another close loss to its opponent. Lady Elite represented Georgia Southern in the Women's division and struggled against tough opponents in pool play before being eliminated from the tournament. All-Tournament Team selections from Georgia Southern including William Hill (The Monstars) and Men's MVP Darcell Hanley (The Monstars).

The Monstars represented Georgia Southern University in the Men's division at the NCCS National Basketball Championships at Vanderbuilt University in Nashville, Tennessee. The Monstars were one of eight regional champions to earn a place at this natioanl tournament hosted in April. The team faced the nation's toughest intramural basketball teams and suffered two devastating loses in pool play, losing by 2 points and by 1 point in each of these games. Although the team did not advance to the tournament playoffs, The Monstars represented Georgia Southern well and enjoyed a unique travel experience.

Five teams represented Georgia Southern at the 26th Annual Georgia Collegiate Flag Football Championships at the University of Georgia, including two Men's teams, one Women's team, and two Co-Rec teams. Georgia Southern teams represented the university well at the tournament and captured the state title in one division. Da Squad advanced to a showdown in the Women's Championship against Georgia Tech and ultimately claimed the title of Women's Champion for a third time. Bena Jones advanced easilty through the pool play round to qualify for the playoffs and finished as the Men's Runner-Up after falling in the finals to the University of West Georgia. Finally, 1 Smoove Operation successfully advanced from pool play to the tournament playoffs and finished as the Co-Rec Runner Up after being defeated by the University of Georgia. All-Tournament Team selections from Georgia Southern included Chris Brown (Bena Jones), Timothy Smith (Bena Jones), Courtney Samuels (Da Squad), Jovanni Springer (Da Squad), Kelly Brown (1 Smoove Operation), and Joey Card (1 Smoove Operation). Ashely Jones (Da Squad) was selected as the Most Valuable Player (MVP) in the Women's Division.

Shelly Brinkley
    Resides in Claxton, GA.
 Kim Henson-Carter
    Resides in Boone, NC.
 Audrey Carswell
    Retired and living in Millen, GA.
 Erika Coffman
    Director of the Activity Recreation     Center in Columbia, MO.
 Nigel Davies
    Resides in Boone, NC.
 Meghan Dillon
    Asst. Director of Campus
    Recreation at North Carolina
    State Univ.
 Mike Doherty
    Insurrance Salesman,
    Living in Vidalia, GA.
 Willie Ehling
    Director of Campus Recreation at     Southern Illinois University
 Angie Frederick (Hagstrom)
    Director of Campus Recreation at     Western Carolina U.
 Kurt Frederick
    Resides in Cullowehee, NC.
 Richard Hammond
    Director of Campus Recreation at     Valdosta State Univ.
 Christie Harrison
    Resides in Elkin, NC
 Gwen Jackson
    Coordinator of Special Projects,
    GSU Physical Plant
 Margaret LaFontaine
    Director of Campus Recreation at     Moorehead State Univ.
 George Lynch
    Retired Assistant Dean of Students     Resides in Statesboro, GA.
 Michele Martin
    Assistant Director of Fitness at
    UNC-Wilmington
 Kitty Pruitt
    Instructor at GSU
 Jimmy Smallwood
    Retired in Eatonton, GA.
 Marilyn Steele
    Adminstrative Assistant for     Educational Opportunities at GSU
 Carter Walton
    Assistant Director of Student
    Activities at GSU
 Dion Polite
    Resides in Atlanta,GA

For those that don't know me, I'd like to give you a back story that might help you understand my viewpoints on a lot of things.  I came to Georgia Southern because I was raised on GSU athletics.  Unfortunately, when I came to Statesboro I knew exactly four people on campus – my girlfriend, her roommate, and two other people from my high school that I hated.  I literally had no place in the University.  It's hard for me to make friends – I'm just socially awkward.  For highlights of my social skills, just ask Segi.

My freshman RA at Johnson Hall (may the place rest in peace) was Torrence Simmons.  He's important to the story because he was an official with intramurals and got me intrigued in the idea.  I went up to see the Graduate Assistant, a fellow by the name of Zach Gilbert, about the job.  If I'm lying, I'm dying – I swear to God I thought the position was voluntary when I first went up there.  I was pleased to learn I'd be getting paid!

A few hundred ejections, some lessons learned, and a lot of bad decisions later here I stand.  The five years I spent with CRI are the best of my life, and I mean that.  They provided me with a connection to campus, some friends, and a lot of skills.  I tell people this all the time, because it's the truth: Without Intramurals, I would have left GSU and college altogether.  It was my primary purpose while on campus.  The main reason I passed classes and stayed on campus is because I knew it was the only way they'd let me referee.

Eventually, I changed my career plans.  I wanted to make sure other students got the same opportunity as me.  So I went to grad school, got a Master in Recreation, and now I'm the Assistant Director of Intramurals at Mercer University.
I've said all that to say this: Remember me.  Not me in particular, but the student like me.  There are hundreds of students each day that come to play or work in intramurals.  Many of them are looking for someone or something to connect with.  Have that person be you, and have that something be Intramurals.  It may be the one thing that keeps them involved in college.

We do so much more than sign people in.  We provide opportunities to recreate, meet new and diverse people, deal with conflict, etc .  I learned so much more from my time with CRI than I did with any course I took in undergrad or grad school.

I hope to swing by occasionally and see old friends, and meet you new Supervisors. 

Have a great year!

 

Todd Thomas

The Bulloch County Chapter of the American Red Cross has recognized CRI as a group for its volunteer efforts in support of the Bulloch County Chapter.

CRI has presented many classes to the Georgia Southern community and Bulloch County including first aid, wilderness first aid, CPR, AED, and lifeguard training which were all taught by CRI employees. Recently, CRI partnered with Red Cross for the Lifeguard Challenge Program, which offered community members a chance to become recertified in lifeguarding, CPR & AED at the RAC Aquatics Center. CRI has also volunteered for other Red Cross events.

For the first time ever, the "Health and Safety Volunteer of the Year Award" was presented to both CRI and Splash in the 'Boro for outstanding commitment to volunteering within the city of Statesboro. CRI has offered multiple sports workshops and training courses at minimum or no cost to the community, while also volunteering and facilitating Red Cross events. Accepting the award on behalf of CRI was Aquatics Director, James Browning.

"I think this award will help people recognize what a big player Georgia Southern University is within the community. Georgia Southern dedicates a lot of time to the city of Statesboro and this is a nice feather in our cap to keep us striving to do more," said Browning.

The "Health and Safety Volunteer of The Year Award" was presented by Lynn Bowen, Executive Director of the Bulloch County Chapter to James Browning, Aquatics Director, on behalf of CRI.

CRI is committed to the health and wellbeing of the Georgia Southern and Bulloch County communities and will continue to strive for excellence in helping those become more educated on health and safety.

Campus Recreation and Intramurals, or as you have always known it "CRI", is embarking on a program to reunite the many individuals who have served as CRI student employees over the years. We have always wondered what our former students are doing with their lives. I often have the opportunity to tell stories of the past when I run into some of you during my travels and when some of you return to campus.

 

CRI has always wanted to have you all back to campus to reminisce, and the time has now arrived. We will be hosting our first annual homecoming tailgate for CRI alumni this year on November 14 when Georgia Southern hosts longtime rival Furman. We hope you can all make plans to attend.

We would still like to connect with you even if your schedule does not allow you to return to Statesboro this fall. As you will see in this publication, we have a couple avenues in which we hope to bring old friends together and also plan additional CRI alumni events in the future.

CRI has continued to grow over the years and build on all the outstanding efforts of our past student employees. We would not be where we are today without all of you. Many of you are aware of the state-of-the art Recreation Activity Center (RAC) that our students enjoy today. However, there are several programs and services that create the fun and lasting memories. You may find that one of the programs you started is thriving today.

CRI is fortunate to have outstanding professional and support staff as well as graduate assistants that I would love for each of you to meet. I will also be contacting the many professional staff members of the past in hopes that they may be able to join us. If not, we will at least update you on their new locations and endeavors.

Lastly, we have made a concerted effort to include all former CRI graduates in this mailing. Our list currently contains 1200 names dating back to 1989. However, if you know of people we may have left out, please let us know so we can get them on our list. I hope you enjoy this CRI update and can join us at the homecoming tailgate!

Dear Me:

Congrats & Yay! You did it - you finished 8 weeks of spin! On top of that you've kept coming to the gym at least 5 days a week for 8 weeks and I can tell the difference.

I know how much you hesitated coming, but look at the people you've met and the weight you've lost! Keep it up!

Always,

me!

 

Testimonial:

I am so proud of myself for joining the RAC and signing up for the 8 Week Spin Class. I have also been going to kickboxing and using my elliptical at home. The instructors and people at the RAC have motivated me to make exercise a necessity in my life and to change my eating habits. I can see the results in the way my clothes fit and by the compliments I have received. This class has been the perfect way to start this new lifestyle.

 

Comments:

I loved this program. I would have never thought I would like spin. But I'm addicted and would like it if the program met 2 times a week.

 

Comments:

This class was GREAT! Emmy, Holli, & Justine are awesome! I am so glad I was able to take this class! I feel awesome!

 

Comments:

This is a great program! It has been the best weight loss program I have done and I have actually enjoyed it! Please do it again in the Fall! Emmy, Holli, & Justine are awesome!

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The team competes against various schools in the southeast as a member of Region 3 Zone 5 of the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association. They compete in both Western and English styles. Read Full Article

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His father worked high school basketball around his hometown of Snellville, which is northeast of Atlanta.

"I went to high school games with him and watched him work as I grew up," said Hawkins. "I did some church league basketball with him, but I really did not have great training."

His experience in intramural sports at Georgia Southern filled in that void. "It was a whole lot better to come down here and train with people who work high school and college games," said Hawkins. "The intramural staff is committed to training young officials."

That training led to top games on campus and at regional events. In 2008, he worked his first national tournament, earning All-American honors. He also started high school football and basketball officiating. As a broadcasting major, Hawkins is a co-host for a weekly sports radio show at the university. As an official, he brings a unique perspective that many sports talk shows are lacking. "A lot of people bash referees on the calls they've made," admitted Hawkins. "That's where I can come in. I actually know the rules and I can explain to them what happened." Read Full Article