Sam Houston State University Campus Recreation Helps Students Find Their Community

Mission

The Division of Student Affairs is dedicated to shaping the Bearkat experience. We strive to create a unique environment where students can pursue their potential and find their community. We prioritize student involvement, student-led programming and customized resources to expand learning beyond the classroom. Our commitment to student success reflects the spirit and values of Sam Houston State University (SHSU). Campus Recreation exists to make positive contributions to student well-being.

Facility(s) Description

The Campus Recreation Center (CRC) is considered the home for the Department of Campus Recreation at SHSU. The 150,000-square-foot facility features a newly renovated weight room, five multipurpose courts, a multifunctional training space, rock and bouldering walls, an outdoor pool, three fitness studios, an indoor track, an Esports Lab and more. The CRC averages over 200,000 swipes per year and is utilized for various programming opportunities that allow students to participate in diverse activities. The CRC and its programs depend on an incredible student staff of over 100 employees to host patrons in the facility and deliver excellent programs for students.

Programming Highlights

Campus Rec offers an extended orientation program for first-year students with the goal of helping them build peer networks before classes begin. Bearkat Camp is a three-day, two-night recreation-based experience hosted at Campus Rec’s satellite facility called University Camp.
Over 600 students participate in club sports with teams that compete and travel across the country, with many competing at the national level. Teams also find time to give back and annually complete over 2,500 volunteer hours combined.
Campus Rec oversees the SHSU competitive spirit programs — including cheer, dance and mascot squads. Collectively, they’ve won 34 national championships and added two this year in co-ed cheer and dance at the national championships in Daytona Beach, Florida.
The Esports Lab was recently completed to meet the rapid demand for competition teams, recreational gaming and casual gaming.

Fun Facts

Campus Rec manages a 345-acre, 200-bed waterfront property located 15 miles north of campus. The University Campus features a challenge course, dining hall, pavilion, swimming pool, indoor activity spaces and bunkhouses for overnight groups.
Originally built in 1983, the CRC primarily served as an academic building for the Kinesiology department. In 2005, an expansion project added 20,000-square-feet of weight room and studio space, a new outdoor pool and an indoor climbing center. In 2023, a second expansion project added a full-size basketball gym and renovated several spaces to support student well-being.
Campus Rec has two separate turf complexes. Holleman Field, previously the home for SHSU baseball, is now primarily used for all outdoor intramural events. Pritchett Field, the former home for SHSU football and current home for SHSU soccer, is primarily used by club sport teams.
A 10-foot human-like statue called “A Big Thank You” was sculpted and installed in 2024 as part of the Texas State University System public art initiative for capital projects. The statue stands in front of the staff office suite and has become a popular spot for taking selfies on campus.

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