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Rec Student Employee Leadership Board hosts canned food drive

Members of the Student Employee Leadership Board (SELB) invite IMA members to participate in a canned food drive Jan. 30 – Feb. 14. Donate canned foods and get a chance to win a UW Recreation T-shirt! Canned goods will be donated to the UW Food Pantry.

Drop your cans off at any time the IMA is open through the 14th; however, the only way to enter the raffle to win a free T-shirt is to come when an SELB member is working.

A graphic of mostly blue and orange cans stacked up displays next to text describing the Canned Food Drive happening at Rec's IMA facility.The schedule is below:

1/30: 2:30 – 4:00 p.m.
1/31: 3:00 – 4:00 p.m.
2/1: 4:00 – 5:00 p.m.
2/2: 4:00 – 6:00 p.m.
2/3: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Your name will be entered in the raffle based this scale:

1 – 3 cans = 1 entry
3 – 7 cans = 2 entries
8+ cans = 3 entries

Show some love to our community and share your canned goods today!

Five questions with Punya Shetty

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

A photo of Punya Shetty. She is wearing a green dress and black sweater, smiling into the camera, in front of cherry blossoms.I am Punya Shetty. I am based out of Bangalore, India and am currently pursuing a two-year Early Career Master of Science in Information Management program from the iSchool with a specialization in data science. I am passionate about trekking and running. I hope to run a full marathon in this lifetime. My favorite hobby is binge-watching TV shows, and I love meeting new people.

What’s your favorite thing about Rec?

I love the Cycling studio classes included with the Rec Class Pass. It is an easy way to meet new people and stay healthy at the same time.

Do you have any suggestions or advice for new (or returning) students to get involved with Recreation?

I believe that working with Rec helps you hone the skills you already have and develop new soft skills which would help immensely in your career trajectory as well. This is a great way to network and meet fellow students from different cultures and traditions. There are ample leadership opportunities that you could grab and work on time management and teamwork.

How have you participated in Rec?

I serve as the Web Management Lead for UW Recreation’s Creative team. I am also a part of the Student Employee Leadership Board representing the Creative Team.

Do you have a highlight or two about your experience that you’d like to share?

I have had an amazing time working with my supervisor, Robin. She is really patient and adaptable. Working at Rec has given me a lot of additional benefits like the Rec Class Pass and knowing about all of the latest activities that happen within Recreation.

UW Recreation is permanently closing the Pavilion Pool

Over the course of the winter break, there was a catastrophic failure caused by a pipe that burst in the Pavilion Pool mechanical room. This led to eight feet of flooding and damaged all the mechanical and electrical equipment in the room, including some additional plumbing damage.​

UW Recreation made the difficult decision to permanently close the Pavilion Pool rather than fixing it due to the size of the failure; the cost and time involved in attempting a repair are no longer feasible. UW Recreation manages the Pavilion Pool, but it is in the Hec Edmundson building which is an ICA facility. The Hec Edmundson Pavilion building is slated to be demolished later this year as a part of the ICA Basketball Operations construction project.

The Pavilion Pool was previously used for mid-day lap swim, swim lessons, and club practices or Intramural events, which have been on hold due to COVID-19 closures and protocols. We reopened the Pavilion Pool for limited open lap swimming beginning in spring 2021 and have been dealing with intermittent closures for minor to moderate mechanical and plumbing failures that we had the ability to repair.

Currently, there are no pools available for use for the UW students and water-based clubs/IM’s; however, the IMA Pool will be remodeled by 2023 and will be available to use at that time. Recommendations for alternative swimming options in the area include the Evans Pool, Queen Anne Pool, Ballard Pool, Helene Madison Pool, Meadowbrook Pool, and Medgar Evers Pool.

For more information on pool options and fees, you can visit the Seattle Parks & Recreation site. Joining the local YMCA might also help in finding suitable pool locations and membership details.

Feeling good during the holidays

Greenery highlighted by golden lights.

By Jeffrey Palmer, Recreation Fitness Manager

The holidays are here! It’s the time of year to eat mashed potatoes and stuffing, desserts, and maybe even enjoy some bubbly! And with no classes until January 3rd, it’s a great time to catch up on some ZZZZZs, right?

Well, yes and no. The holidays are also a time of year when people get off track with their health and wellness habits, and this can lead to less-than-merry feelings. Overdoing the rich food, partying, and messing with your regular sleep schedule is often not the best way to celebrate. Although it’s tempting when there are cheesy, meaty appetizers and festive beverages right in front of you — you will actually feel better if you remember one important word: moderation.

Yes, that is boring. You’ve heard it before. That’s because it’s tested and true advice! The balance between enjoying your holiday time and not overdoing it can be tough. Here are some tips for a happy and healthy holiday season …

Stick to your regular schedule. While I wouldn’t suggest you forgo a few extra minutes snuggled in your bed, it’s best for your physical and mental health to keep up your usual routine. How many times have you returned to “normal life” after a long holiday break only to feel worse? I have certainly been there. Try to wake up and go to sleep at around the same time you normally do. Eat regularly – do not under eat before a party or special meal. Keep up your usual workout routine and modify to your potentially new setting (AKA: the parents’ house!). If you do not have a regular workout routine, now is a good time to start evaluating, planning, and executing!

Enjoy yourself! It can be hard to stop and think “moderation” with the smell of roasting turkey in the air and a tray of holiday goodies in front of you. Here’s the thing: the holidays are a time to indulge and enjoy. I’m not going to sit here and tell you not to eat delicious treats this time of year. However, what I’m saying is indulging is fun and enjoyable, but remember to get back on track. Appreciate your family’s special meal, drink that hot chocolate and be merry, and be ready to return to your focused mindset as the holidays draw to a close. This does not just revolve around food; it all is rolled up into self-care! Treat yourself to a massage, spend some time meditating at the beach, or hang with friends you haven’t seen in a while. Enjoying the holidays and decompressing takes many different forms for us all. For me that form would be deadlifting and eating bacon several times a day, but for you that may be drinking tea and reading a good book.

Stay active. Keep up your usual exercise schedule and look to the future. Since you have some extra time, why not add a few new exercises to your routine? Try out a piece of equipment you have never used at the gym before, or go buy that jump rope or Bosu ball you have been meaning to get. Not a gym person? Get outside! Hike a new trail, take your bike out for a spin, or explore an urban park! Not a fan of doing things solo? Consider creating a new holiday tradition of playing football or volleyball at a family celebration. Grab your friends or family and go for a walk. The possibilities are endless! Time off gives us all an extra chance to re-evaluate our workout habits and set new goals. Just spend a little time thinking about what you can do with your time off that is fun and healthy.

Avoid toxicity. If your family relationships are strained, try to minimize or modify your time with them. Are there some topics that are better to avoid? Come up with a sentence or two that you can just keep repeating to steer away from those topics, like, “I hear what you’re saying; I’ll have to give some thought to that – did you see the last Seahawks game?” You can substitute many different things for “Seahawks game,” depending on whom you are talking to — “too many Spiderman movies” or even, “Wow, this weather…” work. Keep repeating as needed, and try to keep your cool. Think of it as a secret game you are playing to head off potential arguments and bad feelings.

Resist overdoing. For some people, this time of year brings added stress – for example, time or financial pressures. Again, I  have one important word for you. It’s not “moderation” this time. It’s “no.” If you don’t want to go somewhere you’re invited to, bake four dozen cookies, or join in reciprocal gift-giving, say “no.” Of course, you should say it nicely. You can offer an explanation if you want to, but it’s not necessary. You can say “not this time” if that feels better. Just as long as you don’t say “yes” to something you really don’t want to do. It’s important to take risks in life and do things that make us uncomfortable, but it’s also important to learn how and when to say no.

Keep your perspective. When all said and done, don’t worry about blowing a day or two, or more. If a day or an event does not go as you had hoped, get back on track the next day, and try to avoid negative self-talk or guilt. Keep your focus on self-care as well as what you are celebrating and the joys of the holidays, such as friendship, love, and gratitude. The holidays are a special time; these tips can keep you feeling happy and healthy as you celebrate.

Memorial statue taken from the UW Golf Range

A photo of the wooden memorial statue Tora. The Golfing Man wears a medical mask and stands near a sign reminding patrons to follow the COVID-19 rules.
The Golfing Man statue demonstrates proper mask wearing outside the Golf Range.

Update Nov. 11: The statue has been returned to the Golf Range. According to Niles Appleby, manager of the range, “Many kids are happy to see him back as well as a number of seniors.” The statue will reside inside until we are able to better secure him outside the range.

A memorial wooden statue created by artist Katsu Hirasawa in 2009 was removed from the Golf Range the evening of October 21st. The statue, called Tora, is based on images of Tiger Woods demonstrating his backswing. In Japanese, “tora” means “tiger.”

The piece is affectionately known as “Golfing Man” around the range, and it was donated to the UW Golf program in July of 2019 by Hirasawa’s wife Louise Hirasawa. Katsu took his first golf lessons at the UW in the late 1970s, and later joined Sand Point Country Club in 1985 where he was a member there for 35 years.

The Golf Range would appreciate the return of this piece, no questions asked. If you have the piece it may be dropped off at the range, and if you have any information about its whereabouts, please contact the range at (206) 543-8759 or recgolf@uw.edu, or you may connect with the UW Police at (206) 685-8973.

A photo of artist Katsu Hirasawa stands next to the wooden memorial statue Tora holding a golf club.
Artist Katsu Hirasawa stands next to the wooden memorial statue Tora.

The wooden memorial statue Tora stands in front of the Golf Range, wearing a medical mask.

Students paddle UWild’s longest kayaking adventure

Student kayaking trip participants gather holding a purple UW banner on a rocky shore with a blue sky behind them.

In early September, six incoming first year students joined two rising senior trip leaders, Maia Kent and Jackson Hall, on what turned out to be an incredibly memorable adventure. The group paddled nearly 75 miles and camped on eight different islands, completing UWild’s longest kayaking trip yet! The eight huskies met at the Waterfront Activities Center early on a sunny Wednesday morning and jumped right into their adventure after meeting each other for the first time.

The group was dropped off with all their kayaking equipment at a waterfront park in Anacortes. They discussed the plan for the trip, some safety reminders, and a few trips and tricks for paddling. Then they hit the water and were off for the next 10 days to paddle from island campsite to island campsite.

A collage of four images of kayaking participants. Student participants gather around red and orange kayaks on shore; kayaks glide on silver water with the sun reflecting on the water; students stand in silhouette in front of a a pink and blue sunset; pointer fingers point in a circle over a map.

The group quickly came together and became friends. As they paddled on their discussions became easier, the scenery became more breathtaking, and they saw some incredible things. On day two they had the fortunate experience of being visited by the resident orca whales of the San Juan Islands. They watched them as they finished dinner and cleaned up for the night.

A student appears to be capturing another student onshore as they leap into her arms. The catcher appears surprised while the jumper has committed.

The next evening they experienced the most radiant bioluminescence that anyone in the group could imagine. They stayed up late that night playing in the shallow water watching it light up in an other worldly way!

The group continued to paddle from island to island making stops along the way. They had a day exploring Friday Harbor, where they enjoyed a cup of coffee and a burger that was, “the best thing they had ever eaten.” From Friday Harbor, they continued their adventure to circumnavigate Shaw Island. Along the way they saw Dall’s porpoises, sea lions, harbor seals, crabs, and many other plants and animals.

A collage of four photos of students participating in the UWild kayaking trip: students pose onshore in front of their kayaks and a bay; students sit a picnic table underneath a shelter; a student holds a piece of pink and white kelp in front of his face; students cluster in silhouette on the shore as the sun goes down creating a bright, willowy cloudscape.

A student carries another student on his shoulders in a shelter. They both wear warm clothes and it's nighttime. The person being carried holds onto several bright orange and blue drybags and the other person's head.On the final day of the trip they boarded the Friday Harbor ferry with their kayaks and met their ride home in Anacortes.

The goal of these programs is to help incoming first year students feel confident entering life at UW and to create memories that make a lasting impact. One participant said, “I also learned that I can handle myself well in a social situation where I don’t know anyone.”

When asked what the highlight of their adventure was, one student commented, “The bioluminescence at Spencer Spit was one of the most memorable moments of my life.” Another memorable quote was, “Getting close with everyone on the trip, getting advice from the leaders for U-Dub, seeing orcas and the bioluminescence, and the food was really good.”

Summer 2021 Intramurals Champs announced

Congratulations to this quarter’s intramural champions! Over the summer we hosted five intramurals which consisted of a Spikeball Tournament, 2v2 Sand Volleyball Tournament, 3v3 Soccer League, Softball League, and Tennis League. Over 400 students participated in intramural activities this quarter!

Find additional Champ and event photos on our UW Intramural Wall of Champions Flickr Page.

2v2 Sand Volleyball Tournament Champs

Women’s – Sistas
Co-Rec – All Set
Men’s – Le Monkes

Three photos of the Champs all smiling and holding up purple Champ T-shirts: Sistas, All Set, and Le Monkes
The Sistas, All Set, and Le Monkes

3v3 Soccer League Champs

Open – A Bracket – FC Inter Real City
Open – B Bracket – Kid Knees

Two photos of soccer players wearing purple soccer Champs shirts in a collage titled The Kid Knees and FC Inter Real City.
The Kid Knees and FC Inter Real City

Softball League Champs

Co-Rec – A Bracket – Backdoor Sliders
Co-Rec – B Bracket – Adiabats

A collage of two softball teams wearing purple Champs T-shirts; pictured are the teams the Adiabats and the Backdoor Sliders.
The Adiabats and the Backdoor Sliders

Spikeball Tournament Champs

Men’s – Asian’s Can Fly

The men's spikeball Champs on the team Asian's Can Fly smile while holding spikeball gear.
Asian’s Can Fly

Tennis League Champs

Men’s – Singles – Avdhoot Jadhav (A Champ in all three tennis divisions!)
Women’s Singles – Allison Manifold (photo not available)
Men’s – Doubles – Ace
Open – Doubles – Ace

A collage of three photos of the tennis Champs all wearing purple shirts and holding tennis rackets with a caption that reads: Men's Champ Avdhoot Jadhav; Men’s Doubles - Ace; Open Doubles - Ace
Men’s Champ Avdhoot Jadhav; Men’s Doubles – Ace; Open Doubles – Ace

Congrats again to our summer Intramural Champions!

Registration for autumn intramural sport leagues and tournaments will open Sept. 20 at 10:00 a.m. Visit our UW IMLeagues website to sign-up for leagues such as 3v3 Basketball, Flag Football, Volleyball, Campus Scavenger Hunt, 3v3 Soccer, and tournaments such Badminton, Cornhole, Pickleball, and Spikeball.

This autumn, we’re introducing the IM Pass, a $20 pass that gives you UNLIMITED access to all Intramural leagues, tournaments, and special events! Autumn Intramurals are open to UW students, faculty and staff and plus ones with an IMA membership.

Reach out to recim@uw.edu with any follow up questions or concerns.

Schwinn Indoor Cycling Power Certification offered through UW Recreation

A photo of Janelle Veteri, cycling master trainer. Janelle is smiling and wearing a black top.
Master trainer Janelle Veteri

#RideRight anywhere and everywhere with one of the the industry’s most up-to-date, respected, and progressive indoor cycling instructor training course! Register now for this power-packed day to obtain the tools you need to become a successful and sought-after instructor on the latest bike and console from Schwinn.

This critically-acclaimed course, based on the Schwinn Cycling Coach’s Pyramid, allows you to work smart, break through barriers, fill your room with rides, and shine in the studio.

Taught by master trainer Janelle Veteri, the course also covers proper bike fit, cycling science, class design, music, communication skills, motivation techniques, and much more.

Takeaways include:

  • Eight complete class design plans which are ready to use
  • A comprehensive manual
  • Certificate of completion worth CECs and CEUs for ACE, AFFA, and NASM
  1. PUBLIC REGISTRATION LINK – https://tinyurl.com/NWUWIMA091121PUBLIC The price is $250 price for public attendees (those not connected to the university.)
  2. DISCOUNT CODE FOR STAFF/FACULTY – DISCUWFAC Take $50 off of the public price, making the fee for UW employees $200.
  3. DISCOUNT CODE FOR STUDENTS – DISCUWS Take $150 off of the public price, making the fee for students $100.

The deadline for registering is Friday, October 1st at 12pm.

[Most of this text was taken from Schwinn promotional materials provided to UW Recreation.]

10.03.21-University-of-Washington-IMA-Janelle-Veteri-Social-Tile

Team conquers UWild’s longest backpacking trip

First Year Adventures hikers pose with the UW flag against a backdrop of trees, grass, and the trail.

The goal of UWild’s First Year Adventures is to provide an opportunity for incoming first year students to build community in incredible places. This year we stepped up the adventure, with six first-year students joining two student trip leaders, Mahika and Liv (both rising juniors at UW), on UWild’s longest trip to date. The team spent 10 days hiking the trails of Mount Rainier National Park.

During the expedition, the group hiked more than 50 miles and gained almost 18,000 feet of elevation while carrying everything they needed for the adventure on their backs! To put that in perspective, that elevation gain is akin to climbing the most popular route up TWICE! (To climb Mount Rainier from the Paradise Lodge side it is a 9,000 foot climb.)

A collage of four photos depicting a mountain with trees framing it, chocolate chip pancakes, an individual crossing a bridge over a river, and participants gathering around a picnic table smiling.

The first-year students came together from all over the country, and the only thing they had in common was that they were about to start their journey at UW together. On the trail they formed a bond through shared goals, physical and emotional support, and teamwork. One participant put it perfectly when she said, “The bonding we were able to do as such a small group was amazing. There wasn’t a night where we weren’t all laughing and learning about each other.”

This trip challenged everyone physically and mentally. All eight group members walked away from the trip with close friends and confidence they could take on even greater challenges in the future. As one participant said, “I learned about my limits, and a newfound desire to seek out more difficult activities.”

UWild is excited to offer similar opportunities in the future for students and other members of the UW community.

A group of First Year Adventures participants hugs one another on the trail while smiling.

All photos courtesy of Liv Sather.