Annual Report Table of Contents
Download 336.82 Kb.
|
- Navigate this page:
- Sports Club Federation
Technology Technology continues to impact the way we do our jobs on a daily basis. Technology is an area that can be as time-consuming as we allow it to be. There is always something that can be done on the web site, to virus protection, critical updates or just cleaning up machines hard drives and performing de-frag procedures. There is so much that can be done with technology that we have to be careful to maintain a balance of time management reflective of other functions that our technology people need to do. The technology required for the new SRC was mind boggling at the least. To complete the offices, classrooms and cardio equipment in all three cardio areas, we had to initiate over 160+ Ethernet connections. This required almost constant contact with Bob Gueltzo in the IT department. We should mention the outstanding support we received from Bob. There were many times, especially in the weeks immediately prior to opening, that he dropped whatever he was working on to come to the SRC and troubleshoot or fix a problem. We installed 21 new computers for various functions in the new SRC. Each one of those required several hours of installation, software, virus protection and updating. In addition they required new Ethernet connections and registrations. David Horrar spent many hours with us in the weeks leading up to opening the center helping with these functions. These installations are running functions like our security monitoring system, CSI platforms, and workstations. Selecting and implementing a television package for the new center was much more of a challenge than we were led to believe. After negotiations with Insight (now TWC), Dish Network, another cable company, and Direct TV, we made the decision to install a system from Direct TV. The system has worked well and Direct gave us the best financial package by a wide margin over the other options. We have 47 screens throughout the center. Glenn Gittings was instrumental in working with Toshiba to get 41 of those donated to the project. CSI is our software platform for facility management. We are using it on a much larger scale now with the increased need for an ID system for our membership plans, facility access, and scheduling. The system has greatly enhanced our ability to provide a high level of service in the membership area. We can now simply go into the system and change a person’s status, expiration date etc. rather than continually having to make them a new ID whenever there is a change. From a customer service standpoint, that is a great thing for us. We are using the scheduler component of the system every day. The scheduler allows us to reserve any scheduled area in the SRC and insure we have not double booked anything. Every academic class, group fitness class, rental, meeting etc. is entered through the scheduler. The scheduler is also linked to our REACH system so the meetings, classes etc. all show up on the monitors outside each room of the facility. Our classrooms are equipped with smartboards. We have not had many groups use them but they are a nice function to be able to provide. Each classroom is also equipped with projection and computer capabilities. Technology issues are something that we deal with on a daily basis in both of our facilities.
We have 29 staff members certified to use the AED machines and respond to emergency medical situations through the American Heart Association. This was a big year for us as we transitioned from the American Red Cross to the AHA after more than 20 years under the Red Cross umbrella. The City of Louisville utilizes AHA for all of their police, fire, and rescue services and has a local office dedicated to those services. The level of local support we now receive is much more than is available through the Red Cross since their reduction in staff and now having to go through an office in either Cincinnati or Kansas City for support. In addition, our department provided classes for the new bio research building on Shelby Campus. Staff members in that building work with such dangerous materials that they can be “sealed in” their building and EMS not be allowed in during certain situations. These 25 trained responders are called “designated responders” and were certified in Basic Life Support for Medical Professionals or Heartsaver CPR and First Aid through the AHA. At least one of these staff members are on duty in our facilities and at our programs at all times. As a staff, we responded to 135 documented emergency medical situations last year that were deemed serious enough for our supervisors to complete written reports. That is an increase of 26 over last year which was an increase of 20 over any prior year. Many years we averaged around 80 responses. This speaks to the importance of our medical response program. With the new SRC and the corresponding increase in participation, it is only prudent to suspect that we respond to more and more situations. Given the nature of our program and activities, it is prudent to anticipate that we will have emergency medical situations on a regular basis. Our current method of training designated responders makes our response to these situations quicker and more thorough than our previous method of mass training to a lower level of skill. Each of the 135 injured participants that had a response form filled out received a follow up call to see if they needed assistance of any kind and just to show concern from our part. Some of these injured participants are from out of town or even international students who do not know a doctor or where to go in Louisville. We refer to orthopedic and general practice medical professionals when asked as well as provide assistance in communicating with Risk Management regarding insurance protocols. As part of the operating plan of the new SRC, we developed both evacuation and sheltering plans of action. Those were both reviewed by Dennis Sullivan of Environmental Services and approved by him. Our injury breakdown was consistent with previous years. Around half of our responses are to bone/joint injuries. Blood injuries make up around 34% of our responses. Head/concussion symptoms comprised 14% of our injuries and the other 2% were random cases of dizziness, nausea, etc. A great addition to our response in the SRC has been the new First Aid Room. We have what amounts to a physician’s exam room adjoining the front counter area of the facility. Now, if a person is hurt, and we are able to move them, we can provide privacy and a better level of treatment with the room. We have used the room a number of times since opening the center and every patient has commented on the improved comfort level they derived from the privacy provided. We also selected new AEDs for the new center, HSC Fitness Center, and outdoor programs. The Cardiac Science units we selected measure a person’s body mass index, bone density and hydration levels before determining the level of power to use in a shock needed scenario. This is much more beneficial for the patient and represents the most current science in the field. We also continued our training session relating to MRSA and implemented department protocols to insure we were on the leading edge of dealing with this potentially deadly virus. There are no current certifications available from national health/safety agencies dealing with the prevention of MRSA, which prompted us to develop our own training program.
Group Fitness Classes Some of the biggest changes to occur in the Intramural-Recreational Sports Department this year were in the group fitness area, as we have transitioned from programming two small group fitness studios on two campuses to programming four studios on two campuses. The second biggest change was transitioning from utilizing faculty/staff and community members to teach/lead the classes to student instructors only in the Student Rec Center (SRC). We were fortunate to hire four experienced instructors in August 2013 that began teaching at the Student Activities Center (SAC) and the Health Sciences Campus (HSC) facilities before transitioning to the SRC. By hiring the instructors in August we were able to open the doors and begin group fitness classes from the outset. With the new studios and additional equipment we were able to offer class formats that we have never had in the past such as group cycling and TRX. With the additional instructors, studios and new location of the SRC our group X class schedule increased from 18 to 38 classes per week on two campuses. We look for that number to expand even further as additional class formats and staff of instructors expands. We continue to receive inquiries from students interested in teaching group fitness classes at the new rec center, some are already certified and others are in the process of becoming certified. We have recently met with a student certified in Belly Dancing and another obtaining her certification in Barre Fitness anticipating additional class formats beginning this fall. Our participation numbers have increased as we had over 400 unique participants attend group fitness classes between the SRC and HSC with a total of over 7000 participation numbers. Our class averages range from one person per class to as many as 24 per class. Our highest numbers per class were in Zumba, Total Body Blast, Yoga Core and Group Cycling which averaged 15 – 24 per class. All of those classes began after 5:30 PM indicating a significant push to continue (and possibly add) more evening classes to the schedule in the fall. Some of the early morning classes showed a significant amount of participation warranting their continuance on future schedules. The classes that showed the lowest amount of attendance were the noon classes at the SRC indicating a need to possibly remove them from the schedule or at least change the format offered. The TRX Circuit proved to be more popular than the TRX 101 (beginner level class) and therefore replaced the TRX 101 in the spring. There were occasions that participants were turned away for the TRX Circuit class as the maximum number of participants in the class is 16 due to the limited number of TRX straps that can be used in the room at one time. The next area to develop will be an in-house program to train students interested in becoming certified group fitness instructors, as current instructors will be graduating and moving on. We may need to reach out the HSS Department students and go to the group fitness classes and speak to participants who may be interested in becoming certified and build our own program. We brought in NETA (National Exercise Trainers Association) in May and will be bringing in AFAA (Aerobic and Fitness Association of America) in August to lead certification and continuing education workshops as training for our staff and the university community. We will continue to build relationships with these nationally accredited organizations to provide invaluable training for our staff and students at U of L. The more training we can provide for our students the more successful they will be at their job and in their career. In addition to the in-house training we plan to create, we will continue to participate in the Kentucky Fit-Fest as we have the past two years. The University of Kentucky hosted it in February this year and we had one staff member attend and brought back information to help build the personal training program as well as enhance group fitness classes. SRC Personal Training The Student Recreation Center is in the final stages of launching the personal training program for all members of the SRC. This includes students, staff, and alumni. The target date for the official launch is mid-June 2014. All of our trainers will be certified by various nationally accredited programs. Furthermore, all trainers will be students at the University of Louisville, either at the ungraduated or graduate level. The Personal training program will feature one-on-one sessions as well as group sessions. Our trainers will offer individualized workout programs as well as motivation for clients to be successful. Additionally, The SRC holds all staff to the highest standard of professionalism and courtesy for all users and personal training clients. IM Fit-Checks & Fit-Testing The Fit-Check program proved to be a little challenging last fall as the transition into the new rec center mid-semester proved to be extremely time consuming in setting up the final touches with the equipment. We did have an Exercise Science student intern assisting with the program but the placement of the table to offer the services was often lost in the grand scheme of the new building. The U-Fit program offered by the Office of Health Promotion worked out of the fitness lab on the second floor of the Rec Center which also serves as our Departmental Assistant’s office which proved to be a small challenge. In January we began offering Fitness Assessments to our faculty, staff and alumni members which included a follow up meeting with our exercise science intern and the fitness director and included a personalized workout program. We look to continue this program in hopes that we can promote our personal training program and guide the participants to utilizing those services. We look to more aggressively recruit exercise science students for our internship program to continue the fit-testing program as well as promote and build the personal training program and create a positive, beneficial experience for the intern.
The 2013-14 school year was another solid one for the Sports Club Federation. The Federation began the season with 19 members and added two clubs (Table Tennis and Wrestling) bringing our number to 21 active groups. We met with several groups concerning the formation of future clubs, which we look forward to in the upcoming year. Founded on the ideas of promoting student interests in particular sports, the clubs have been allowed to expand and include community and alumni members as well, which lends stability to the clubs by not limiting involvement to just the few years participants attend the university. We believe we are one of the few, if not only, sports club programs in the country that allows community members, which is something we are very proud of. The clubs are lucky to have the strong leadership that they enjoy, with many clubs having an experienced and dedicated individual overseeing all aspects of their respective club. This is perhaps the largest contributing factor for the continued success of our clubs and one that we will continue to foster amongst the membership. This year saw many changes to the overall atmosphere surrounding our sports club program. The most visible and dramatic event came with the opening of the new Student Recreation Center in October 2013. Whereas previously we had clubs meeting and practicing in various different areas of campus and in the community, we now have a facility that is capable of housing a variety of different clubs and hosting a multitude of activities. With the center’s opening, we now are able to provide dedicated practice space to 12 of our clubs under one roof. We are also able hold Sports Club Federation meetings in the classrooms of the building. A facility of this nature has been a dream for many years and with its coming we believe it will provide structure and stability for our clubs for years to come. We also envision it being a catalyst for the formation of future clubs who will be able to take advantage of the facilities it provides. Another change was a policy shift concerning how we deal with club financial accounts. Previously it was the policy of the department to directly oversee all club funds, with the Sports Club Coordinator being the responsibly signatory on all accounts. He was also responsible for paying all of the club’s bills and having checks made for all club purposes, with each club having their official account at Class Act Federal Credit Union. In Fall 2013 the decision was made to allow each club to have direct access to their club funds, with two members of each club being signers on the club account. We also have given the clubs more freedom to use their funds for whichever purposes they deem necessary, with the added responsibility of budgeting and reconciling their own funds. The Sports Club Coordinator remained as the overseer of the accounts but was no longer responsible for their daily activity. This change was a welcome one for the clubs as it provided access to their funds much quicker and made weekend expenditures much more possible. This transition was completed for each club by January 1, 2014. The program received some surprising good publicity in February, as the Department was contacted by the local newspaper, who wanted to do an article on the overall club program. Dale Ramsay and David Rice were interviewed by a Courier-Journal reporter, who then was given a tour of the facility. The article appeared in the February 18, 2014 issue, with the copy beginning on the front page and continuing on nearly the entire back page. This type of exposure is invaluable for our program and we were very happy to see our clubs portrayed in such a positive manner. The following is a brief outline of the accomplishments of our clubs for the 2013-14 academic year: Aikido Club The University of Louisville Aikido Club had a successful year in 2013-14. The group continues to see a consistent membership with 12-15 students attending regularly. The club practiced in Crawford Gym before moving to the new Student Recreation Center in October 2013. The group was once again able to test nearly all of its members and promote them in rank. In March the club attended a seminar in Cincinnati which was taught by a direct descendant of the founder of Aikido in the US. At this event, one of our club members tested and was promoted to black belt status, which brings our number of black belt and above instructors to five. This level of leadership gives our club one of the highest levels of accomplished instructors in the region and speaks to the dedication they have to their discipline. Aikido is one of our oldest clubs and continued its long tradition of excellence this past season. Badminton Club The Badminton Club is one of the longest-tenured clubs on our roster, being active for over 35 years. With the opening of the Student Recreation Center in October, practices were moved from the SAC Gym and continued on Friday evenings. Membership of the club consists of a strong international contingent, with members from Malaysia, Indonesia, China, Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong, Nepal, India, Russia, Germany, England, Scotland, Canada, and the United States. The club is truly one of the most multicultural and diverse of all student groups. The club donated canned goods for Christmas food baskets and also made contributions to the Angel Tree. Finally, the group was a guest at the Intramural Sports International Nights held in October and March, where their diverse membership was a welcome addition to the evenings. The Badminton Club continues to do well under the leadership of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Norton, and will no doubt continue to do so. Ballroom Dance Club aka: “Dancing with the Cards” “Dancing with the Cards” had another consistent season. This year members learned a number of different popular dances. Although the group was not able to conduct the several community events they had previously held, they did participate as instructors at the UofL Dance Marathon and held weekly practices in the SAC Aerobics studio before moving to the new SRC in October, where they were able to add a Saturday session to their schedule. They also were able to conduct two planned dances in Lutz Hall which were open to the community, both of which were well-attended. This year the club found itself on more solid footing and is no longer considered to be in transition. Rather, with the solid leadership of Jim Beggan, the club looks to become more active in the dance community and increase its membership in the coming year. Baseball Club In its second year of existence, our Baseball Club posted an excellent 8-7 record and a third place finish in its first season in the NCBA. Included in that record were two impressive wins against Ohio State, which was nationally ranked and about to enter postseason play. The spring season saw scheduled games against schools such as Xavier, Michigan State, Wright State, Ohio State, Edison Community College, and the Battle for the Barrel against Kentucky. Home games were once again played at Beechmont Park, and we had much fewer rainouts this year than last year. When possible, the club also was able to conduct limited practices on the outdoor turf field at the new Student Recreation Center. Off the diamond, the club had members pass out smoothies to runners at the Mini Marathon as well as work at the Mother’s Day event at the Louisville Zoo. The future of the club baseball team will include a summer season in the River City league which will consist of 20 games, all played locally. The Baseball Club had an exciting sophomore season and looks to back it up with an even better showing in the coming year. Bowling Club (Men’s and Women’s) The Bowling Club had another solid year on the lanes. The men’s club bowled in four events in the fall, including team wins at the Green River Classic and the Southern Kentucky Shootout. Unfortunately, the men’s club was unable to compete in the spring due to several of its leaders graduating. The women’s club competed in ten events it the fall and spring, with their best finish being 7th in the Southern Kentucky Shootout. Neither club was able to qualify for postseason play. The biggest challenge going forward will be identifying new leadership for both groups. The future status of the Bowling Club is currently unclear but we are hoping that members will come forward to lead the men’s and women’s bowling clubs into the future. Fencing Club The Fencing Club once again proved to be a fully functioning recreational group that continues to do its business well. After practicing in Crawford Gym, the club was happy to find and new home in the Student Recreation Center beginning in late October. This move also allowed them to add a Saturday afternoon session to their practice schedule, which was well-received. The club has a consistent 8-10 members attending class and continues to attract individuals from the University’s physical education class. The Fencing Club is the oldest active club on our roster and we look for it to remain a strong club well into the future. Ice Hockey Club The UofL Ice Hockey club experienced another successful season over the 2013-14 school year. Ice Hockey completed a full 34-game schedule, including wins over Kentucky, Cincinnati, and Xavier. Overall the club posted a very competitive 15-18-1 record. The team had a roster of 22 players at the beginning of the year and maintained a high level of participation throughout the season. Iceland Arena was once again the venue for their home matches this year and the group was able to travel to Holy Cross, Akron, Cincinnati, Kentucky, Davenport, Michigan State, Ohio, and Michigan for contests as well. While the club did not qualify for its post-season tournament, we consider it to have been a successful season nonetheless. In the summer of 2014 the club will conduct its first annual golf scramble at the Polo Fields Golf Club. It was another great year for our Ice Hockey Club and we look forward to many more in the future. Kempo Karate Club 2013-14 was been another productive year for the University of Louisville Kempo Club. The group currently has 5 masters and 8 overall black belts which provide a constant high level of instruction. The club began the season practicing in Crawford Gym but transitioned into the new Student Recreation Center in October. With their new home secured, the club and the members have been doing clinics on a regular basis. Once again the group conducted a self-defense seminar for domestic violence prevention in February that had about 20 people attend. The group continues to bring in guest instructors at its clinics, which has been well-received by the members. The Kempo Club is another of our oldest and most well established clubs and continues to lead by example on how to run a successful group. Men’s Lacrosse Club During the 2013-14 school year, the men’s lacrosse club at U of L fielded a full roster of 25 players and was able to play a full competitive schedule. A crucial addition to the club was secured when we were finally able to provide a permanent practice site with the opening of the new Student Recreation Center in October. Where previously the club practiced wherever it could find space, the club now has a dedicated turf field where they are able to conduct practices in almost any weather. The spring schedule saw trips to IUPUI, Xavier, Western Kentucky, and Bellarmine, with home matches against Eastern Kentucky and Bellarmine. The season was highlighted by a special match against Kentucky held at the Elizabethtown High School field. This game was the club’s first against UK in three years and was a great success. With the addition of a dedicated practice space and a much more firm leadership team in place, we look for the Men’s Lacrosse Club to continue its high level of achievement into the future. Power Tumbling Club The Power Tumbling club was begun four years ago after Holly Logsdon was awarded a grant to actively promote Power Tumbling at area campuses. “Gymnastics in the Air” uses both a trampoline and floor mat as mediums for expression. The group has three active members, and in Summer 2013 two students (Shea Myers and Ryan Bohn) again won the team portion of the Inaugural USTA (United States Trampoline & Tumbling Association) Championships in Madison, Wisconsin. These two young men will attempt to repeat as champions this coming summer. The students prepare all year for this one event we look forward to seeing them win another championship for the University. Racquetball Club Participation in the racquetball club dropped noticeably this year. Even with the opening of the new Student Recreation Center, which allowed for dedicated practice time on all of our available courts, there continued to be inconsistent attendance. At this time, the future of the club is uncertain. We will attempt to provide the necessary support to ensure that the Racquetball Club strengthens its position in the coming year. Men’s Rugby Club The Men’s Rugby Club completed its sixth year of existence with another solid season. A crucial addition to club was secured with the opening of the Student Recreation Center in October, which provided a dedicated practice space for the club. Previously they practiced wherever they could secure field space. Home games were again played in Cherokee Park. The club counted among its successes victories over Western Kentucky and Kentucky, the later allowing them to retain the Henry Clay Cup. Off the pitch, the men sponsored a youth rugby clinic in the fall, as well as a blood drive. Next fall will feature a match at Notre Dame to coincide with the university football team’s trip to South Bend in November. The group also plans to make a trip to Annapolis to compete against the US Naval Academy. From its beginning, we charged the leadership of the Rugby Club to do things the right way, and it is obvious that they are taking this charge seriously. We are excited about the future of our Men’s Rugby Club. Men’s Soccer Club The Men’s Soccer Club was active in the fall semester, with practices being held at the outdoor field of the new Student Recreation Center after its opening. The club had limited activity in the spring semester. At this point, the future of the group is in doubt. We will attempt to provide the necessary support to ensure that the Men’s Soccer Club strengthens its position in the coming year. Table Tennis Club The Table Tennis Club was created in the summer of 2013, with an expressed purpose of providing recreational and instructional opportunities. Practices were held twice per month on every other Friday in the Cardinal Corner Game Room, with 12-15 people regularly attending. The club became a member of the NCTTA and was able to participate in two tournaments this year. They travelled to Lindenwood University as well as hosted Kentucky in the Student Activity Center Gym. This was a good first year for the Table Tennis Club and we are optimistic that the future will bring success for the club. Tae Kwon Do Club The Tae Kwon Do Club is perhaps the most consistently productive group we have the honor of hosting in our department. Each year, the group has a rigid structure of testing and promotion, and executes this plan with consistency and diligence. This structure was only strengthened with their move to the new Student Recreation Center in October, which provided a permanent home for the club. Demonstrations were again held in September and January, with promotional testing successfully administered in August, December, and April. Every year they conduct a Holiday Food Drive, where this year they again supported Angel Tree by providing holiday meals to 10 families. The club hosted a women’s self-defense seminar in September and March. The club also hosted a board-breaking seminar in March. The best compliment a club can receive is to say they know what they are doing and they do it well, which certainly applies to the UofL Tae Kwon Do Club. Tennis Club The Tennis Club was again active in the fall and spring semester. There was a consistent turnout for Tuesday night practices at the Bass/Rudd Tennis Center. They were able to make a trip to the University of Tennessee to participate in a collegiate tournament, where they finished fourth. They club was more organized this year, which was a considerable improvement over the previous season. We are optimistic that the coming year will see further success from our Tennis Club. Ultimate Frisbee Club The 2013-2014 school year was an improvement over the last year. Crucial to the current and future success of the club was the opening of the new Student Recreation Center, which allowed for a permanent practice space for the club on the outdoor turf field. Weekly practices were well-attended, and it was obvious that it was easier for the club to attract participants with their visible practice space. One tournament at the University of Kentucky was attended, where they had seven matches over the course of a weekend. We are cautiously optimistic about the future of the Ultimate Frisbee club and hope to see more activity in the coming year. Wrestling Club The Wrestling Club was new this year, and a direct result of the opening of the Student Recreation Center in October. Within days of the center’s opening, a group of former high school wrestlers came forward to continue training and take advantage of the Mat Room area of the new building. No competitions were planned, and the club was strictly instructional in their early stages of development. In the future, the possibility of competition could be a reality as the group becomes more established. Dodgeball and Triathlon Clubs The Dodgeball and Triathlon Clubs were closed this year due to inactivity. It is unknown at this time if these groups will be able to restart in the future. |