TABLE OF CONTENTS. 04 05 07 08 Message from the Director
Mission & Values
10 12 Assessment
Student Development
Achievements
Member Services & Participations
13 14 Engagement, Inclusion, and Diversity
Director's Award
17 20 22 26 Instructional Programs
Intramural Sports
Sport Clubs
Fitness and Wellness
30 34 36 40 Aquatics
Signature Events
Strategic Initiatives
Professional Staff
MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR. This year was once again a year of innovation and drastic change for the Division of Recreational Sports. While keeping our eye on a commitment to providing our students with top quality programs and services, one of our main focus points for the year was our dream of providing those same students with the best possible facilities at UW-Madison. We are making significant progress on that goal. With the opening of the new Near West Fields, we have honored students’ wishes to be able to play harder, get fitter, and live better. Now, more teams, games, leagues and tournaments are possible with the addition of the state-of-the-art synthetic turf system. The new LED lighting system is more sustainable, costs less to operate, and reduces light pollution. More sports can be offered and the improved technology and scoreboards allow our students to enjoy top quality outdoor recreational and competitive activities. In addition, we finalized designs for the Nicholas Recreation Center, with construction starting in October 2017. These designs were driven by student voice. With significant expansion to fitness space, multi-purpose studios, pool areas, and gymnasiums, this facility will provide students with the recreational and wellness opportunities they have been requesting for years.
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As we transition to 2017-2018, we have made significant changes in order to accommodate the loss of the SERF. We expanded strength, cardio, and functional training opportunities at the Natatorium. We worked with our partners in University Housing to secure space at Ogg Residence Hall to create a satellite fitness center for students living in the southeast community of campus. These efforts are a result of our commitment to our members to continue providing high quality programs and services, even while our largest recreation facility is offline. While challenging, we are well on our path to improving the wellbeing of #ActiveBadgers for the next 50 years.
John Horn Director
MISSION & VALUES. Mission The mission of the Division of Recreational Sports is to enhance the UW-Madison experience by providing excellent programs, services, and facilities that promote and inspire the social, mental, and physical well-being of the campus community. Values •
Innovation and excellence: We are committed to providing innovative, diverse, and high-quality programs, services, and facilities that support and enhance the mission of the University.
•
Student development: We are committed to providing students with developmental opportunities including, but not limited to, leadership, supervision, and conflict resolution.
•
Collaboration: We are committed to fostering relationships by partnering with students, campus departments, and community organizations to support projects and events.
•
Resource stewardship: We are committed to using our financial, human, and physical resources in a responsible manner.
•
Diversity and inclusion: We are committed to providing rich and unique opportunities for all employees, members, and participants. Through similarities and differences we find in race, ethnicity, age, gender, gender identity expression, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, ability, religion, experience, background, and national origin, we believe that diversity enriches and empowers all of our members and staff.
•
Health and wellness: We are committed to serving the campus as the recreational health and wellness leader.
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ACHIEVEMENTS. 7
A look at the growth and impact of programs, services, and personnel serving the UW-Madison community.
MEMBER SERVICES.
PARTICIPATION.
Improving the Member Experience
Annual participations by facility
This year, we created opportunities for students to use our facilities earlier in the fall semester by creating a $10 Welcome Back Pass. This option allows students to access facilities in August before their membership (which is paid for by segregated fees) becomes effective. During the two-week period, more than 800 students purchased the pass.
789,437 421,361 267,355 51,107 23,890 3,366
In January, we introduced the Winter Break Special, an offer for first-time Affiliate members to purchase a 12-month membership for the price of 10 months. During the promotion, we sold more than 80 Affiliate Memberships and welcomed a new group of Affiliate members to Rec Sports.
24%
increase in Alumni Membership revenue from 2015-16
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$1,042,285 total membership revenue
Southeast Recreational Facility
Breakdown of users
75.3% Students
9.5%
Natatorium
Faculty & Staff
Shell
Special Events
Nielsen Tennis Stadium
Outdoor Fields
Lathrop Hall
6%
4.2% Athletics
2.6%
Community, Spouse, & Domestic Partner
2.4% Alumni
1,556,516 = total participations
Enough to fill the Kohl Center for
90
home games
MEMBER SURVEY. In March, our Member Services and Assessment departments teamed up to launch the first-ever Rec Sports Member Survey. The goal of the survey was to learn more about our members’ experiences with staff, programs, and services. After sifting through and analyzing more than 740 responses, we were thrilled to learn that an overwhelming majority of the respondents (98.8%) said they would recommend Rec Sports to a friend. Other questions included topics such as equipment checkout, marketing & communications, interactions with staff, and more.
741
survey respondents
10
98.8% 92% 91% 89%
"I enjoy starting my day working out at the Nat. I appreciate being greeted daily by a friendly face at the front desk. It just adds to the good feeling of a productive workout to kick off the day." - Member
TEST TRACK. During the fall semester, we conducted a pilot study to discover which treadmill our participants like the most. To do this, we put eight brand new treadmills in the SERF Cardio Room that varied in style, type, and features. Some treadmills featured technology like Netflix, music, virtual workouts, etc. Others were very basic and just showed running stats. We also piloted one self-propelled treadmill. While there was some variance, the results generally suggest that the participants are interested in having technology available on the treadmill (e.g. a mobile app to track their workout, a streaming service, and charging stations for their mobile device). We will be utilizing the results to purchase equipment in the future.
15,473
miles logged on treadmills
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of respondents would recommend Rec Sports to a friend
of student respondents agreed or strongly agreed that their participation with Rec Sports improved their quality of life on campus of non-student respondents agreed or strongly agreed that their Rec Sports membership is a great value of student respondents agreed or strongly agreed that their participation with Rec Sports improved their mental wellbeing
STUDENT DEVELOPMENT.
ENGAGEMENT, INCLUSION, & DIVERSITY. We held our second annual Student Employee Diversity Forum in February. This year’s program included small group discussions on staff culture, uncomfortable work situations, and campus resources to aid in EID efforts across the division. One hundred thirteen student employees attended the two-hour forum. During the spring, our internal EID Committee created an online training module to add to our Blended Learning curriculum focused on microaggressions, intent vs. impact, identity awareness, and inclusive work environments. 100% of student employees completed the training.
Finally, we conducted the second annual Rec Sports EID Student Survey in March to understand more about our student staff culture, concerns about our work environment, and employee/supervisor interactions. We obtained 241 responses, compared to 83 in 2016. An overwhelming 96% of respondents agreed that their work unit feels safe to them. The information from this survey will help inform our professional staff about ways to improve trainings and work culture.
Of the 241 Student Employee EID Survey respondents...
As a division, we value the growth and development of all student employees. We strive to provide opportunities for meaningful and enjoyable experiences while teaching transferable skills that apply to any career path our students pursue. This year, the Student Recreational Leadership Council (SRLC), consisting of 15 student employees, focused heavily on volunteerism, professional development opportunities, and Master Plan projects. The SRLC allocated approximately $2,600 to student employees to attend professional conferences, extramural tournaments, and certification opportunities. As a council, the SRLC also organized volunteer events for student employees, raising almost $2,000. In the fall of 2016, we launched a Blended Learning training for our more than 700 student employees. This mixture of in-person and online modules simplified the onboarding process and gave students a baseline level of knowledge regarding all things Rec Sports. This year’s topics included Engagement, Inclusion, and Diversity; The Wisconsin Way (customer service etiquette); Rec Sports 101; HR and Payroll; and Safety and Risk Management. All departments reported that 100% of their staff successfully completed the trainings. Lastly, as part of a new development series, our professional interns created and implemented the Friday After Class workshop series. The series included three sessions: Engagement, Inclusion, and Diversity; Financial Fitness; and Resumes and Interviewing. More than 40 student employees attended the sessions. Our goal is to expand this series and continue to engage and develop students’ professional and transferrable skills.
95% 95% 98%
agreed or strongly agreed that they would recommend their work unit as a good place to work agreed or strongly agreed that their coworkers are open and welcoming to others who are different from them 13
agreed or strongly agreed that the professional staff in their area are open and welcoming to others who are different from them
"I believe that conflict management and interacting with a diverse range of individuals have been skills I've gained though my student employment. I feel comfortable working with an upset member or calming an angry participant, which is something I was very hesitant with prior to working at this job. Additionally, being exposed to people from all different backgrounds and with different stories has allowed me to learn so much about this life and human nature.” - Student employee
DIRECTOR’S AWARD. Senior Brandon Blackburn was this year’s Director's Award recipient at the annual Student Employee Awards Banquet. Brandon has served the division since the fall of 2014 in several positions on the Member Services and Operations team, as well as in the Financial Hub. During his time as a student employee, Brandon has had a lasting impact. According to his supervisor, "His work ethic and passion for the division is unmatched, and he is the perfect example of a proactive employee. If he sees something that needs to be taken care of, he takes the initiative to correct it. Brandon’s positive attitude and enthusiasm for Rec Sports is what truly sets him apart. He is a leader, mentor, and friend to his fellow employees and they view him as a knowledgeable and caring role model. Brandon is one of the most engaged student employees within our division and is an incredible asset to our team."
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“Working at the Division of Recreational Sports has been the greatest experience of my undergraduate career. The student staff is super friendly and the professional staff is always willing to help with anything I require, from job-related issues to academic resumes to professional applications. Leaving will be the hardest thing I have ever done, but I am confident that I will carry the experiences and loving support of my Rec Sports family for many years to come. My advice for Rec Sports: Never change who you are. Stay gold!" - Brandon Blackburn
FACILITY HIGHLIGHT: NEAR WEST. The Near West Fields reopened this past spring as the first completed project of the Master Plan and our first-ever outdoor turf facility. With more than six acres of synthetic turf, the fields are lined for a variety of sports: baseball, softball, flag football, soccer, lacrosse, rugby, and more. This facility also marks the first baseball field on campus since 1991, offering new opportunities for our Club Baseball program. The state-of-the-art turf facility also features LED lighting with a shielded structure to reduce light pollution. We are very excited about the impact this facility has already had, and will continue to have, on our Intramural Sports, Sport Club, and Open Rec participants.
PARTNERSHIPS & EVENTS. 20,519
80
participants in first-ever Summer Camp
Meningitis B Vaccination Clinic
During the fall, we worked with University Health Services, University of Wisconsin-Madison Police Department, and Emergency Operations to offer Meningitis B vaccinations to students on campus. In two weeks, we vaccinated 20,519 students at the SERF with minimal impact on the operations and the programs in the facility. The event earned recognition from UWPD and we received one of five Chief’s Awards, given annually to individuals or organizations that display exemplary service to the campus community.
students vaccinated
1 UWPD Chief's Award
North American Chinese Basketball Tournament During the spring, we hosted the 37th annual North American Chinese Basketball Tournament at the Natatorium. Fifty-three teams from around the United States and Canada traveled to Madison to play in the tournament, and more than 800 people came to watch 124 games over the course of two days.
16
369
special events & registrations
117,529 special event attendees
“Ultimate Frisbee is still a growing sport in Wisconsin. To be able to hold our championships at the UW, where many other high school sports do, adds a level of legitimacy and gives the kids and our organization a sense of pride.” - Wisconsin High School Ultimate Frisbee State Championships event organizer
1,476 tennis lesson participants
12%
increase in American Red Cross certifications from 2015-16
INSTRUCTIONAL PROGRAMS. The Instructional Programs department continued to grow this year and is now the home for all swim lessons, American Red Cross courses, tennis lessons, and skate lessons. New this year, we launched the first-ever Rec Sports Summer Camp. More than 80 campers joined us for nine one-week sessions featuring a variety of activities. We are excited to expand our programming to include opportunities for faculty, staff, and community members to bring their kids to campus and experience our programs. We hope that this will be a revenue-generating program for our division over the years to come.
"Our child enjoyed camp and the counselors. He spoke highly of the activities each day and rated this one of the top summer camps he attended this year." - Summer Camp parent
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Intramural Sports
19 19
PLAY HARD.
7,905
20
7% increase from 2015-16
INTRAMURAL SPORTS. This year, in order to simplify the process for students and make it easier for them to participate in multiple offerings, we introduced the Intramural Sports Pass, a pay-to-play model offering students the chance to choose from a Year, Semester, or Team Pass, depending on their participation. The pass increased revenue by $100,000 and we saw more teams registering for our niche, less popular sports like golf and sand volleyball. We also saw an increase in total number of teams registered. While we saw a slight decrease in the total number of unique participants, we did see an increase in total number of teams, even though we operated without an outdoor facility, Near West, which was under construction for the academic year. We also incorporated two new offerings into the schedule. In the fall, we organized a glow-in-the-dark game night, and in the spring, we offered a dunk contest in addition to the free-throw and 3-point competitions during basketball's championship night.
18%
of students participated in intramural sports
50,570 total participations
2,453
Intramural Sports
Intramural Sports
unique participants
teams
27%
of participants were first year students
6% increase from 2015-16
38%
of participants were female
21 21
This was a year of growth for our Sport Club program. We added three clubs: Field Hockey, Fishing, and Golf and increased the number of participants by 9.5% for a total of 2,202 active members. Our clubs traveled to 73 more events than last year, and increased their donation dollars by $9,500. Our Sport Club teams are making a name for themselves throughout the nation. Five of our clubs ended the season as National Champions: Men’s Basketball, Women’s Basketball, Cycling, Men’s Rugby, and Men’s Track.
45 active clubs
5
national champions
1,087 community service hours
22 22
Sport Clubs
Sport Clubs
SPORT CLUBS.
After only five short years in the Sport Club program, the Men’s and Women’s Basketball teams swept the 2017 NIRSA National Basketball Championships in Columbus, Ohio, knocking off Boston College and Air Force, respectively. Men’s Rugby earned the title of 2017 Collegiate Rugby Champions after they defeated Dartmouth in a nail-biter of a match, 12-10. At the National Intercollegiate Running Club Association’s Track and Field National Championships, members of the Men’s Track Club set two NIRCA national records, 12 athletes made it to the podium, and the team earned a national championship. Finally, in Grand Junction, CO, Max Ackermann of the Men’s Cycling team rode his way to victory in the USA Cycling Collegiate Championships. What a year it was for our Sport Clubs!
9.5% increase from 2015-16
2,202 active members
53% of clubs qualified for national tournaments
"Traveling and competing with the UW Cycling team, at a national level, challenging fully-funded varsity programs, is grandly rewarding. The cycling club has become a source for some of my most cherished friends and experiences. The university should be proud of and support this club in any way it can." - Sport Club athlete
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GET FIT.
Fitness & Wellness
FITNESS & WELLNESS. Fitness & Wellness
"Collaborating with Rec Sports on an event like Kronshage Yoga allows both Rec Sports and University Housing to promote health and wellness to first-year residents. To me, that sounds like an excellent example of adhering to the Wisconsin Idea." - House Fellow, Kronshage Residence Hall
5,140
Group Fitness memberships sold
112%
134 total
increase in Group Fitness Outreach sessions from 2015-16
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84,364 Group Fitness participants
3%
increase in Group Fitness participation from 2015-16
We continued to increase and improve our Fitness and Wellness offerings this year. Most notably, we increased Group Fitness class offerings at peak times to provide more opportunities for our members to participate. We also added two new class offerings, POUND and Tabata Plus, and grew our Group Fitness Outreach program, hosting twice as many events as last year.
We also increased our reach around campus, adding new locations to our Workplace Workout program and reaching new populations. In its first full year of operation, the Performance Training Center saw a 300% increase in participations and a 45% increase in Olympic Platform memberships.
Fitness & Wellness
personal training sessions
295
Olympic Platform members
Fitness & Wellness
3,322
45% increase from 2015-16
300% increase from 2015-16
14,224 Performance Training Center participations
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200+
participants in the third annual Bucky’s Workout
29 29
Aquatics & Safety
AQUATICS. 30 30
The final year of the SERF pool proved to be a busy one for our Aquatics department. We welcomed more than 25,000 athletes and spectators into our facilities for 14 events. These events ranged from Wisconsin Swimming and Diving meets and camps to WIAA Girls and Boys State meets, UW Sport Club events, and more. In addition to hosting competitions, we also continued to offer private and group swim lessons, Masters swimming, scuba lessons, and Red Cross certifications for more than 1,000 participants.
14
aquatics events hosted at the SERF and Natatorium
54,065 lap swimmers
“Several years ago, I took adult swimming lessons to improve my stroke technique and to learn how to do flip turns without drowning. It was an extremely valuable experience. It gave me the courage to do Masters Swimming, which I have been doing year-round ever since. Another incredibly valuable opportunity I've taken advantage of.” – Aquatics participant
100%
of fall swim lesson participants would recommend the program to a friend
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LIVE WELL.
Rockin’ with Rec Sports Our largest Wisconsin Welcome event featured several Group Fitness classes, obstacle courses, Badger Ninja Warrior and water volleyball in the pool, lawn games, and more. Hundreds of students filled the SERF to Play Hard. Get Fit. Live Well., collect giveaways from campus and community partners, and learn about the different programs we offer throughout the year.
LIGHT OF THE MOON HOMECOMING 5K. 34 The second annual Light of the Moon Homecoming 5K saw almost 400 runners along Lakeshore Path decked out in glowing lights and neon green t-shirts. Proceeds from the race went to the American Family Children’s Hospital, helping to ensure every child receives the care they need. This mid-week Homecoming celebration, organized in partnership with Homecoming Committee and University Housing, is a night full of glow-in-the-dark fun, Badger pride, and smiling faces.
2. Focus on student development. We set a goal to increase our focus on student development by creating tangible initiatives to accompany our Student Development Plan. We continued to focus on WiGrow, which measures our impact on students as they graduate and join the workforce. >>
Three students in the Competitive Sports department completed the Leadership Certificate
>>
More than 25% of Aquatics staff participated on divisional committees and work groups
>>
More than 35 Fitness & Wellness students received accredited or in-house fitness certifications
>>
Developed and launched Blended Learning training modules to streamline staff onboarding and training procedures
>>
STRATEGIC INITIATIVES. 36
>>
The Competitive Sports department hosted a diversity training for Sport Club officers
>>
Our focus on Engagement, Inclusion, and Diversity continues to be a true investment in our human capital. We have committed to this initiative across the entire division and have taken many steps this year to expand our efforts to ensure we are a welcoming place to all people and remain one of the best places to work on campus.
Aquatic Supervisors and Leads led at least 50% of in-service trainings and were part of the lifeguard hiring process
>>
Six professional staff members became American Red Cross certified First Aid and CPR/AED instructors
>>
All student staff completed Engagement, Inclusion, and Diversity training
>>
Professional staff members represented Wisconsin at the NIRSA: Leaders in Collegiate Recreation, Wisconsin Intramural and Recreational Sports Association (WIRSA), Big Ten, and Student Lead On conferences
>>
Hosted Diversity Forum for student employees, more than 110 students attended
>>
Sadat Khan, Associate Director of Member Services & Operations, served as a member of the VCFA EID Council
Freshmen made up at least 450 more unique participants than any other class in intramural sports programs
>>
Several professional staff members attended the UW-Madison Women in Leadership Symposium
1. Execute strategies outlined in the Engagement, Inclusion, and Diversity (EID) VCFA Initiative to improve representation in our division.
>>
>>
>>
Facility supervisors attended a training with the UWPD on personal safety and awareness
>>
Special Events department created a staffing model including hiring practices, trainings, and evaluation processes such as budgeting and pay rates
3. Continue to advance the approved Master Plan. This plan has many stages, goals, and objectives stretching over the course of many years. In 2016-17, we opened the first completed project of the Master Plan, the Near West Fields, and prepared for the demolition of the SERF. >>
Completed construction of Near West Fields and opened for use
>>
Completed designs for the Nicholas Recreation Center
Introduced the Friday After Class series, workshops led by professional interns to teach student employees about EID, financial wellness, and preparing for interviews
>>
Departments identified alternate locations for overflow space while the SERF is offline
>>
Worked with University Housing to secure Ogg Residence Hall for overflow fitness space while the SERF is closed
Mackenzie Lucius, Coordinator of Member Services, took on the role of WiGrow Liasion
>>
Created a comprehensive schedule to prepare the SERF for move-out and decommission
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>>
>>
>>
Researched and provided recommendations for equipment to purchase for the Nicholas Recreation Center Developed and presented a pricing structure for the Near West Fields that was approved by the Rec Sports Board in March 2017 Completed block scheduling for internal programming in 2017-19
2017-2018 Strategic Initiatives Our focus in the upcoming year includes ongoing initiatives from past years, and introduces several new priorities for the division: >> >> >> >> >>
Engagement, Inclusion, & Diversity Student Development Master Plan Assessment Supplemental Funding Exploration
4. Explore new technologies to improve efficiencies. >>
Implemented Connect2Concepts, a new facility management software for daily tasks, shift reports, and facility counts
>>
Researched and tested new software for intramural sports registration
5. Identify sources of supplemental funding.
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>>
Generated more than $100,000 in additional revenue using Intramural Sports Pass model for registration
>>
Implemented American Red Cross courses for registered student organizations, targeting new markets and generating new revenue
>>
Generated $1,700 in new revenue from private and semi-private ice skating lessons
>>
Developed and implemented a comprehensive summer camp program for children ages 4-13
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A rendering by HOK of the new recreational facility, expected to open in 2019.
PROFESSIONAL STAFF. Aquatics
Finance
Aaron Kroth Assistant Director of Aquatics & Assessment
Jeff Sailor Financial Program Supervisor
Buildings & Grounds Brian McGuire Buildings & Grounds Superintendent
Competitive Sports
HERE WE GROW AGAIN. As a division, we continue to evolve and grow in order to meet the needs of the campus. This year, we shifted responsibilities and added positions to meet this goal.
Director’s Office
Fitness & Wellness Lori Devine Assistant Director of Fitness & Wellness Raquel Sancho Solis Coordinator of Fitness & Wellness
Human Resources
Bill Riggins Coordinator of Operations Gabrielle Menard Coordinator of Operations Sandy Wilson Assistant Director of Member Services Mackenzie Lucius Coordinator of Member Services Dave Borgrud Day Manager at Nielsen Tennis Stadium Karen Lux Assistant Director of Scheduling & Special Events
Mike Warren Senior Associate Director
Instructional Programs & Staff Development
Maintenance
Promotions
Alex Peirce Associate Director of Marketing & Communications
Chad Schultz Assistant Director of Instructional Programs & Staff Development
Chad Schultz - Assistant Director of Instructional Programs & Staff Development
Erik Jaeke Associate Director of Programs
Marketing & Communications
Title Changes
Jeff Dvorak Associate Director of Maintenance & Special Projects
Resignations
Alec Triggiano - Scheduling & Special Events Intern Racheal Weiland - Aquatics Intern Ryan Owen - Fitness & Wellness Intern
Milan Milinkovic - Coordinator of Operations Beth Wachter - Financial Specalist Senior
Mackenzie Lucius - Coordinator of Member Services Erik Jaeke - Associate Director of Programs Josh Greeno - Facilities Maintenance Specialist Milan Milinkovic - Coordinator of Operations Lauren De Carolis - Coordinator of Marketing & Communications Alex Peirce - Associate Director of Marketing & Communications Gabrielle Menard - Coordinator of Operations
Victoria Landron Coordinator of Competitive Sports
Joan Kazel Financial Specialist - Senior
Suzanne Merrill Assistant Director of Operations
Whitney Thuecks Human Resources Assistant
Professional Interns
New Employees
Ashley Lax Assistant Director of Competitive Sports
Noel Becraft Financial Specialist - Senior
Member Services & Operations
Aaron Kroth - Assistant Director of Aquatics & Assessment
John Horn Director
Sadat Khan Associate Director of Member Services & Operations
Lauren De Carolis Coordinator of Marketing & Communications
Tom Cline Greg Golbach Tim Kottka Larry Millard Matt Morrell Gary Volkman Mike Worden Josh Greeno
This document was created in Fall 2017 by the Rec Sports Marketing and Communications team.