Who We Are
A History of Movement
The Department of Recreational Sports at Ohio State has a longstanding tradition of supporting Buckeyes of all ages and abilities in their pursuit of active, vibrant experiences.
Health and wellness initiatives have a strong history in recreational sports with traditions rooted in complementing the academic mission of the institution. Participants range from the very young in camp programs, to students who are at a prime age to promote a lifestyle of activity and movement, to adults of all ages who find joy in a wide spectrum of movement and fitness, Ohio State Rec Sports continues to educate through the diverse range of resources found in our people and facilities.
Student Development
Ohio State Rec Sports impacts students' lives by providing them with opportunities to succeed. These opportunities come in the form of responsibility, leadership, conflict resolution, customer service, problem solving and other social skills. By teaching our students about understanding the nuances of human interaction, leading by example, and trusting them with job responsibilities, they gain one of the greatest tools in life, experience.
Campus-wide Participation
Since the department's introduction in 1913, Rec Sports has seen major growth in participation. From the time of men's and women's separate natatoriums and weight training areas, a male dominated intramural program, the women's Buck-i-Anna games, and the Swan and Cygnet clubs, to dodge ball, climbing and adventure trips, and Xbox Football tournaments, Rec Sports at Ohio State continues to be part of a movement toward a more active campus.
Rec Sports participants, students, and staff work to continue the legacy first set in motion by our founders. We continue to ponder what the original staff of 1913 would think of our current sports, activities, tournaments, facilities and equipment. The size of the department has grown from a handful of original staff to over 60 full time and over 1,000 student staff.
National Involvement, Leadership, and Research
Recreational Sports staff members have a rich tradition of participation in the national association for recreational sports professionals the National Intramural-Recreational Sports Association (NIRSA). NIRSA is the leading resource for professional and student development, education, and research in collegiate recreational sports. Ohio State has the proud honor of former staff member Mary Daniels serving as the first female president of the NIRSA. Other current and former staff members have served as NIRSA president and president of the NIRSA Foundation Board.
The National Research Institute for College Recreational Sports & Wellness is a national partnership between The Ohio State University and NIRSA. The Institute explores emerging areas of research in college recreational sports, develops and commercializes study instruments, and manages a research clearinghouse for the field.
