It all began in 1950 when William Wasson, a profession at Dillard University, convened 20 professionals from 11 Historically Black Colleges and Universities for a meeting. It was at this meeting that they formed the National Intramural Association, which would later become the National Intramural and Recreational Sports Association.
Of the 20 representatives, Horace W. Moody, Sr. represented Southern University of Baton Rouge. Moody coached varsity football at Southern for several years. Later, Moody was appointed to the position of Intramural Sports Director. He held that position until his retirement in 1986, when current director, Melvin Robinson, succeeded him.
“Coach Moody was well respected as an educator, coach, community leader and mentor,” said Robinson. “Before his death, he was the last surviving member of the original organizers of the NIA.”
Southern University is the largest preeminently black university in the nation. With an expanding student population, there was an increased need for a dedicated campus recreation facility. “There has always been a need for a campus recreation facility,” said Robinson. “Now that more schools are addressing this need by constructing rec facilities, there is more involvement in campus participation; especially among HBCU’s. Many young men and women, transcend from Rec Sports participation to varsity sports. Here at Southern, our programs help keep the body physically fit. Rec Sports helps to get students and keep students at the university.”
Southern University constructed its stand-along recreation facility in 2013. When building the facility it was important to stay true and honor their roots. They did so my naming the facility after Moody, in order to honor is legacy not only at the university but also in the industry as a whole.
“Because of his being the first Intramural Sports Director at Southern, a founding member of the NIA and his dedication to Southern and the Association the facility was named the Horace W. Moody, Sr. Intramural Sports Complex,” explained Robinson. “This is the only intramural facility in the nation named in honor of one of the original founders.”
Learn more about Southern University and the Horace W. Moody, Sr. Intramural Sports Complex here.
Lovely article. Thank you for writing, and publishing it.
Lovely article! Thank you for writing about Southern University.
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