Virginia Tech

Blacksburg, VA

MISSION

The mission of Virginia Tech’s Department of Recreational Sports is to enhances the quality of life for the university community by educating and encouraging participation in activities that promote healthy lifestyles, social interactions, and leadership skills. The department creates an atmosphere that encourages individuals to develop life-long involvement in recreational activities and is dedicated to meeting the changing needs of a diverse community by offering quality structured and informal recreational opportunities.

As a part of the Division of Student Affairs, Recreational Sports aspires to influence students to be guided by the Aspirations for Student Learning: commit to unwavering curiosity, pursue self-understanding, practice civility, prepare for courageous leadership, and embrace the university motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve).

FACILITIES

Recreational Sports has three indoor facilities and 20+ acres of outdoor recreation space.

McComas Hall opened to students in 1998 with 61,000 square feet of recreation space. As a result of the ever-increasing popularity of recreation, the facility was expanded by 26,000 square feet in 2010. The recreation space has two weight training areas, a cardio deck, three basketball/volleyball courts, fitness studios, a 25-yard pool, and a jogging track. McComas Hall also houses the Schiffert Health Center, Cook Counseling Center, and Hokie Wellness.

War Memorial Hall, a gymnasium to memorialize Techmen who had died in World War I began in 1919, and the resulting War Memorial Gymnasium was completed in 1926. The structure was closed in 1972 for significant renovation and expansion, reopening in 1975. The recreation area features a weight training area, a cardio area, a strength and conditioning room, four basketball courts/seven volleyball courts, a dance/group exercise room, a gymnastics room, a 25-yard pool with a diving well, 12 racquetball courts, two squash courts, and three wallyball courts. The School of Education and a satellite police station are also housed in War Memorial. Recreational Sports is entering into a feasibility study for renovating War Memorial Hall.

The Venture Out Center houses the outdoor recreation program. At the center, students and community members can sign up for trips, rent equipment, purchase equipment, and talk with outdoor experts to plan an adventure.

We have over 18 acres of field space – natural grass fields for sport club practices and competition; and synthetic turf fields (new in 2015) for intramurals, sport clubs, and rentals. We also have 18 tennis courts, two futsal courts, and an outdoor roller hockey rink.

PROGRAMMING

Recreational Sports is home to a variety of programs including aquatics, intramural sports, sport clubs, open recreation, outdoor recreation (Venture Out), fitness, and wellness. A $20 intramural membership allows students, faculty, and staff to participate in any of the 42 activities offered. A third of the student body participates in at least one activity each year. In fall 2016, nearly 400 teams played flag football.

Within the fitness program, there are 110 fitness classes a week in 25 formats. Students, faculty, and staff can also find a training program that works for them through small group training or personal training.

Living in one of the most beautiful areas of the country, our Venture Out program provides the community to get outside and explore. There are over 40 trips a year that range from hiking, caving, and climbing to horseback riding, skiing, and stand up paddleboarding. Venture Out also rents equipment so community members can have their own adventure.

Cooking classes, offered through our wellness program, are very popular with students. How of Happiness groups, based on the book by Sonja Lyubomirsky, allow students to explore how to create happiness in their lives. Our wellness program also offers wellness coaching to students and also plays a part in the Healthy Eating and Assessment and Referral Team (HEART), a multidisciplinary team that seeks to provide support and referral services to students at Virginia Tech.

The department offers many special events throughout the year including Ladies Night in the Weightroom, Broga (men’s-only yoga), Partner Yoga, Homecoming 5K, bench press competition, intramural championship nights, the 3.2-Mile Run in Remembrance, and more.

FUN FACTS

-Recreational Sports has planned the 3.2 Run in Remembrance for the past eight years. Nearly 12,000 runners and walkers sign up every year, offering Hokies an opportunity to come together in community to remember the members of our community lost in 2007.

-Recreational Sports contributes to many top rankings for Virginia Tech by the Princeton Review: