Inside RecSports Vol. 9, No. 1, Fall/Winter 2009, Student Involvement

Facilities Bring New Opportunities

After winning a gold medal in the 1936 Olympic Games in Berlin, Germany, Adolph Kiefer (1936–39) enrolled at The University of Texas. He was a varsity swimmer and worked in Gregory Gym as a building attendant “sweeping f loors, picking up trash and keeping things looking nice. I earned 50 cents an hour.” Kiefer adds, “Not a day goes by that I don’t think about UT and my time working in Gregory Gym. It was one of the best jobs I ever had.”

In 1957 two student staff positions were created to oversee the facilities and programs. A swimming pool supervisor coordinated pool use while two 20-hour per week supervisor positions oversaw Gregory Gym and the Intramural Fields. Jackie Boston, an all-around intramural athlete from Oak Grove, served as a supervisor and remembers, “We worked half time at Gregory Gym or the fields circulating, doing counts, setting up equipment and monitoring activities.”

With the addition of the Gregory Gym Annex in 1963 the need for student involvement expanded once more. New job descriptions for men included activity assistants, sport supervisors and specialty positions such as swimming pool guards, and gymnastics and weight room supervisors. The intramural official position continued to be important, so much so that an outstanding intramural official’s award was instituted in 1964.

Ed Junell ’68, ’71, the 1967–68 recipient of the Outstanding Officials award, recalls, “I can say without hesitation that intramural sports in the 1960s did more to develop strength of character and build broader and longer lasting personal relationships than any other single activity. The program was strong, the athletes were exceptional and the competition was fierce, yet sportsmanship always prevailed. Clearly, many of those that competed have carried their leadership and competitive qualities into chosen professions and today stand among the best and brightest of The University of Texas.”

STUDENTS: THE LIFEBLOOD OF RECSPORTS
For almost a century, the Division of Recreational Sports has maintained a proud partnership with the students of The University of Texas at Austin. This partnership is evident in many ways. From providing venues and equipment for exercise and play, to student employment opportunities, to leadership development for intramural and sport club captains, RecSports has come to serve an integral role in the daily lives of students and the campus community. Though much has changed since the organization was founded, one thing has remained constant – students continue to be central to the success of this program.	Facilities Bring New Opportunities After winning a gold medal in the 1936 Olympic Games in Berlin, Germany, Adolph Kiefer (1936–39) enrolled at The University of Texas. He was a varsity swimmer and worked in Gregory Gym as a building attendant “sweeping f loors, picking up trash and keeping things looking nice. I earned 50 cents an hour.” Kiefer adds, “Not a day goes by that I don’t think about UT and my time working in Gregory Gym. It was one of the best jobs I ever had.” In 1957 two student staff positions were created to oversee the facilities and programs. A swimming pool supervisor coordinated pool use while two 20-hour per week supervisor positions oversaw Gregory Gym and the Intramural Fields. Jackie Boston, an all-around intramural athlete from Oak Grove, served as a supervisor and remembers, “We worked half time at Gregory Gym or the fields circulating, doing counts, setting up equipment and monitoring activities.” With the addition of the Gregory Gym Annex in 1963 the need for student involvement expanded once more. New job descriptions for men included activity assistants, sport supervisors and specialty positions such as swimming pool guards, and gymnastics and weight room supervisors. The intramural official position continued to be important, so much so that an outstanding intramural official’s award was instituted in 1964. Ed Junell ’68, ’71, the 1967–68 recipient of the Outstanding Officials award, recalls, “I can say without hesitation that intramural sports in the 1960s did more to develop strength of character and build broader and longer lasting personal relationships than any other single activity. The program was strong, the athletes were exceptional and the competition was fierce, yet sportsmanship always prevailed. Clearly, many of those that competed have carried their leadership and competitive qualities into chosen professions and today stand among the best and brightest of The University of Texas.” Continued on page 2 >
The Early Years: Student Managers and Officials From the very early days under Berry Whitaker and Anna Hiss students were called upon to manage the programs. Initially one student director assisted Whitaker and earned a varsity ‘T’ for his efforts. Trueman O’Quinn, pictured left, served as student director in 1925–26. Students were selected by the director to serve as intramural officials–the first student position in the new intramural program.
From 1927–80 student managers promoted all phases of the intramural program, conducted the tournaments and served on the Intramural Council, a committee that is still active today. Junior and senior managers were awarded sweaters for their work with the senior managers earning a varsity ‘T’ at the end of their term.
Gordon Appleman ’59, Sigma Alpha Mu fraternity, Texas Cowboy, 1985 president of the Texas Exes, 2001 Distinguished Alumni and a member of the Recreational Sports Leadership Team, says, “My biggest thrill in college was earning a varsity letter after working three consecutive yeas as an intramural manager under Berry Whitaker and Sonny Rooker.”
The women’s program centered on the Sport Club Council and individual intramural team managers. These women served in leadership positions overseeing the club and intramural programs. Outstanding club leaders and intramural managers were recognized at the annual ‘T’ Nite banquet. Helen Faltin Martin was named Best Manager in 1959.