Intramural sports: A new generation
Intercollegiate athletics at Ricks/BYU-Idaho to give way to expanded student activities program

by Trent Toone
Scroll Staff

Timothy Robison / Scroll photo illustration

“Athletics aren’t going away at Ricks College,” Hall said. “As intercollegiate athletics are phased out, there will be a proportionate increase in other on-campus athletic activities to take its place.”

Hall, who has worked with intercollegiate athletics for 31 years, is heading the new student activities program under the direction of President David A. Bednar.

Over the next year and half while intercollegiate athletics are phased out, Hall will continue to serve as athletic director as well as direct the new student activities program.

Hall said the new student activities program will include an array of activities not only in sports and fitness, but also in the areas of personal development and performing and visual arts.

Because of Hall’s added duties, assistant track and field coach Justin Garner will serve as assistant athletic director until the varsity athletic programs end in the spring of 2002.

Also named to assist with the student activities program are Music Department Chairman Jim Brague, representing visual and performing arts (including music theater, dance and art); women’s basketball coach Lori Woodland, representing physical activities (including sports, fitness and recreation); and Assistant Student Life Vice President Ric Page, representing personal development (including leadership, service, entertainment and social activities).

Hall, who said the varsity sports serve approximately 280 athletes, has a vision of a future that will offer more athletic activities to a greater number of students. Instead of limiting competitive athletics to a small percentage of elite athletes, BYU-Idaho will give opportunities to all students who want to participate in athletics from a competitive level to a leisurely level.

Hall said he expects to get new programs started as early as this summer. By the end of the fall semester, he plans to have even more activities in place.

With fewer intercollegiate athletic events in the John W. Hart Building, Hall and a committee are also analyzing options with the building. He says renovation of the Hart Building is on the drawing board.

Hall projects several levels of athletic competition. The most unique will be a level where students can try out for a wide variety of campus athletic teams. The teams will be trained and coached to play against each other.

The program will call upon former Ricks coaches to help with the new competitive program.

“We will look within to fill these positions first,” Hall said. “We need people with expertise in the various sports and a vision of and enthusiasm for what we’re trying to achieve. We don’t know if the current ones will stay, but things are too premature for them to make a decision.”

Properly trained students will also be given the chance to serve in teacher, coach and supervisor capacities.

At the recreational level, students will still be able to participate in a wide range of intramural athletics that require little or no training.

“At this level, students will get together to participate just for the enjoyment,” Hall said.

He also sees such campus wide activity events as summer and winter olympics, a marathon and continuation of such popular programs as Guitars Unplugged. Instructional classes in everything from physical education to dance will continue.

Leisure activities ranging from piano to basketball will be available during a student’s free time. A fitness center where students can work out and numerous outdoor recreational opportunities on and around campus where students can participate is also envisioned.

The performing and visual arts area will focus on art, dance, music and theater. Some of the activities will include art displays, dance performances, auditioned and non-auditioned musical groups and ensembles, and theatrical productions.

The personal development area will include leadership and service opportunities on campus and in the community as well as social and recreational opportunities ranging from dances, talent shows, recreational outings and large campus-wide events.

“I believe we can deliver a program that will make a significant difference in people’s lives and involve many more people,” Hall said.

All material posted on Scroll eNews is property of BYU-Idaho Scroll.
Contact scrollinternet@byui.edu with comments or problems.