The Namesake

Robert G. Childress began his career as a student at The University of Texas at Austin in 1969. He quickly became involved with the Intramural Program — participating, officiating, acting as team manager and serving on the Intramural Council. His success as an intramural athlete can be seen on the Intramural Wall of Fame eight times.

Upon graduating in 1973 he made two decisions that forever shaped his life. One, he married Bonita, his wife of 39 years, and two, he chose to pursue a master’s degree at UT while working as a graduate assistant for Men’s Intramurals. Following his two-year assistantship, Bob went to work full-time in 1975 as a Recreational Sports specialist for the Intramural Sports Program and from 1977 to 2001 served as the intramural coordinator.

In 2001, Bob moved out of his intramural position and organized the Friends of RecSports initiative, an effort to reconnect with alumni, especially those who participated in intramurals. His passion for the preservation of the history of the storied Intramural Sports Program has led him to his new role as development and campus relations coordinator. Bob now spends the majority of his time reaching out to former participants, helping them reconnect to old teammates and friends, and sharing news with them about the current RecSports program. With over 20,000 Friends receiving the newsletter, he stays very busy collecting memories and presenting opportunities to these friends to become involved with RecSports today.

When Bob is not spending his time on the Forty Acres, he can be found on one of many local golf courses. He is quick to tell anyone that after 30 years playing golf, he recorded his first and second holes-in-one just a couple of years ago. It seems only fitting to honor Bob with a golf tournament that will support the Division of Recreational Sports, Bob’s home away from home.