Athletics offers dynamic mix for students

This is the fourth in a series of department profiles that will be featured in News Pulse throughout the year.

By Sharon Feder '06

The Department of Athletics, Intramurals and Recreation is not only concerned with training students for athletic excellence, but also with guiding them toward becoming well-rounded individuals.

photo of Stuart Robinson, director and men's soccer coach

Stuart Robinson (director) said that the department's 15 full-time and 40 part-time staff members encourage academic excellence to more than 300 athletes each semester through a number of programs. Women's volleyball coach Matt Giufre serves as academic coordinator to the Athletic Department and meets with any student-athlete with a 2.2 GPA or lower throughout the semester to discuss success strategies and approaches.

All student-athletes must also pass 24 credits per academic year in order to remain eligible to participate in intercollegiate athletics.

"We want our students to continue to distinguish themselves in the classroom," said Robinson.

photo of Colleen Bruley, assistant director and women's soccer coach

In addition, Athletics works to bring consistency to students' schedules by setting competitions on the same days so student-athletes can plan their courses with the fewest disruptions as possible.

Robinson also wants student athletes to distinguish themselves in the community and requires teams to volunteer. Among other community activities, the men's soccer team participates in the Alzheimer Walk and the women's soccer and lacrosse teams participate in the annual Breast Cancer Walk at the Woodbury Commons shopping mall.

In addition to being responsible for 15 intercollegiate teams, Athletics provides guidance and support for intramurals and recreation.

"Recreationally, we want to encourage students to do more," said Robinson.

The Outdoor Pursuits program, which was designed to enable participants to take advantage of the local and regional outdoors, offers activities such as hiking, cycling, horseback riding, kayaking, canoeing, rock climbing, ropes courses, orienteering, snowboarding and skiing. These outdoor opportunities focus on adventure, environmental awareness, education, personal development, social interaction and, above all, fun.

photo of Brian Williams, associate director and women's swimming coach

The department also offers a wide range of intramurals, including flag football, basketball, double-dutch (jump rope), ping-pong, tennis and raquetball.

As construction of the new Athletics and Wellness Center progresses toward its planned opening this fall, Robinson said they are looking forward to the day when they can begin to use the new facility.

"The new facility will not only meet the needs of our student-athletes and coaches, but also the campus community as a whole.

"We're very excited about what the future holds. Our goal -- as the college looks to progress as a first-class academic institution -- is to possess a first-class intercollegiate athletic institution." Visit the Department of Athletics, Intramurals and Recreation on the Web at http://athletics.newpaltz.edu.

MARCH 28, 2005
Volume 3, Issue 6

Feature Stories

What's New

Bulletin Board

Calendar of Events

Submit Items