Greetings Tigers, as you all know February is recognized as Black History Month and being on a Historically Black Campus we should all be engulfed with the strong abundance of history and legacy of this University. I was contacted by a representative from the headquarters of the organization in which The TSU Recreation Center is a part of known as NIRSA (National Intramural Recreational Sports Association). I was asked to assist with locating one of the founding members of this organization who attended and worked at Texas Southern University during the 1950s; the organization was looking to honor her at this year s National Conference which will be held in Dallas, Texas. Her name is Mrs. Dimples Coffey Lee. They weren t sure if she was still alive or not but wanted to reach out to her family if available. Long story short I began internet investigating and was able to locate Mrs. Lee s listed residence which was literally across the street from the University, unfortunately Mrs. Lee no longer resided at that location and was since taken to Washington DC where her son resides. I continued my investigation and was able to locate her son who I contacted via phone and had a delightful conversation about his mother. Mr. Lee was ecstatic to hear of his mother s contributions to this organization that started off with 22 representatives from 11 Historically Black Colleges with 3 of the representatives being from TSU, to now having over 4,500 members and strongly under represented from those Historical Colleges. It was concluded that Mrs. Lee is alive and well at the age of 92 and will be honored at this Year s conference via video interview. With great honor it has been confirmed that Mrs. Dimples Coffey Lee is the only living founding member of this organization. With that said it is my goal and determination for me and my staff to continue to remain active and represent TSU within NIRSA for the advancement of recreation, sports, wellness, and educational developmental opportunities for all individuals interested in this growing industry. But, most importantly to continue the Legacy of Excellence and Achievement in which we were founded upon thanks to Dimples Lee, Juanita Pierce, and Viggo Wallace. Stay TSU Proud!!! (Make sure to read the article on ERSLC). In Health, Ms. Iisha D. Voltz Program Director- Recreation Services
The Rec Center supports HEART AWARENESS MONTH In This Issue February is Heart Awareness Month NIRSA ERSL Conference Try out the Exercise for the Month: The Plank Fitness Day Event Recap Meet Group Exercise Instructor - Tamera Hall Rec Sports Update As always Fitness is not just exercise it s a Lifestyle. Are you ready?
NIRSA ERSL Conference Rec Center staff members Quishanna Swearengin, Jessica Allen, Quincy Watson, Karel Jno-Finn, La Toya Brown and Program Director Ms. Iisha Voltz represented Texas Southern University at the NIRSA Emerging Recreational Sports Leaders Conference held in Orlando, Florida. The goal of the conference is to provide minority students interested in careers in collegiate recreation with the tools and connections they need to succeed in the field. With educational programming and opportunities for mentorship and career networking, the Conference strives to provide the skills and knowledge needed for young minorities to gain meaningful careers in the field of collegiate recreation. Texas Southern University is an original founding member of NIRSA and the Recreation Center continues to strive to maintain the high level of excellence in student development and leadership that was set forth by our predecessors. This year marked the first time a group of TSU Recreation Center student employees presented at an ERSL conference. Their presentation was titled Can I get some privacy please?: Where to Draw the Line on Social Media & Personal Relationships. The presentation focused on how social media can impact student employee/ manager personal relationships and how to avoid crossing the line. The group received rave reviews from those who attended their session. Congrats to the REC staff for their achievement and continued success. GO TIGERS!!
The 5th annual REC Fitness day took place on Wednesday, Feb. 25th. Fitness is a celebration of the national recreation day. Each year we offer the students a chance to interact with vendors in the health and wellness world and participate in fun, physical activities. Due to cold temperatures, the event was forced inside but it was a success nonetheless. The REC would like to give a very special thanks to the vendors who participated in Fitness Day: Protector and Gamble Healthcare Houstontx.Gov Aids Foundation Smithwood Medical institute Dr. Robinson Chiropractor Maximus Advocare FABULIFE Spaulding For Children Golden Life Wellness Champions Snap Kitchen Life Fitness Matrix Fitness Raw Chef Nutrition Weight Loss Planned Parenthood
Born and raised in Fresno, California Tamera moved to Houston to attend Texas Southern University. She believes everyone should be healthy and fit but realized she was headed down the wrong path. Tamera played multiple sports in high school such as basketball and rugby but her nutritional choices were not very good and she soon realized after her first semester that she had gained more than the infamous freshman 15 (15 lbs.). It was at this point she decided to make a lifestyle change. She participated in the REC Center s annual Bigger Loser Contest which she credits for jump-starting her fitness journey. The choice of using the platform here at the Rec Center to help others was sought after high school when no one was there to guide her on her health journey She is now training for an opportunity to compete on the Houston Women s Rugby team in addition to being a member of the Women s Basketball Club. She is motivated to help others avoid this experience one person at a time. Tamera s favorite motto is Trust the Process Favorite Exercise: Running/Jogging Favorite Food: Chef Salad w/the works Favorite Movie: Love and Basketball Group Ex Classes: Butts & Gutts Mon. & Wed. @3-4pm Core Crunch Tue. & Thur. @5-5:45pm
The plank is one of the best exercises for core conditioning but it also works your glutes and hamstrings, supports proper posture, and improves balance. Our Group Exercise Instructor Nandi Geiger will demonstrate the basics and proper technique of the core scorching move! Step 1: Lower both your forearms to the ground so that both your elbows and fists are flat to the ground. Your palms should be balled up, and directly underneath your shoulders. Step 2: Curl your toes under and engage your abs by tilting your pelvis and pulling your belly button toward your spine. (Top picture) Step 3: Ground the toes into the floor and squeeze the glutes to stabilize the body. Your legs should be working in the move too; careful not to lock or hyper-extend your knees. (Bottom picture) Step 4: Straighten your body but keep your neck and spine neutral (neither arched nor rounded). Keep your eyes on the floor in front of you, instead of looking up or letting your head hang downward. Imagine that you re a plank of wood, and that you re straight as an arrow. (Bottom picture) Step 5: Hold the plank position for 30-60 seconds or until your form starts to deteriorate, whichever comes first. Rest and repeat for several sets. For more fitness info, stop by the fitness center and talk with one of our fitness specialists. They can assist you with fitness advice, free fitness assessments, and personal training concerns.
The women s Basketball club made a late rally to defeat Lamar University in a thrilling 34-33 game. With the score tied at 33, Imani Wilson hit the game winning free throw with four seconds in the game. Wilson led all scorers with 11 points. The team is currently 4-0 and sits in first place in the Houston Club Sports Basketball Conference.
Forty students from the Urban Academic Village (UAV) participated in the February 27th paintball activity at Urban War Zone Paintball. Despite the chilly weather, the students had a blast competing against one another. The UAV and the REC have built a strong relationship thanks in part to Ms. Chante Williams, UAV student coordinator and Ms. La Toya Brown, REC Center Programs Manager. The Outdoor pursuits program is designed to offer our student alternative forms of outdoor recreation. For more info on the upcoming outdoor schedule, contact La Toya Brown at lbrown@tsu.edu.
March Upcoming Events