For a century, students, faculty and staff at UW-Stout have been able to enjoy time away from the classroom and work thanks to school-sponsored exercise and recreational opportunities on campus and in the Menomonie area.
From 7 to 10 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 13, University Recreation, or URec, will mark its 100th year with a celebration in the Multipurpose Room of the Sports and Fitness Center. Along with prizes and food — including a cake-cutting at 7:30 — there will be activities such as glow Zumba from 7:30 to 8:30. Glow climbing will be from 8 to 10 p.m. at the Stout Adventures indoor climbing wall.
UW-Stout, which celebrated its 125th anniversary in 2016, opened in 1891 as Stout Manual Training School:
- In 1917, then known as Stout Institute, the school began providing organized recreational opportunities for students with a hiking club that included 60 members. The group hiked nearly 2,000 miles during the academic year, including round trips to Eau Claire and Minneapolis.
- In 1924, students could take part in bowling, boxing, wrestling and intramural basketball.
- By 1935, Stout had the largest intramural program among state colleges with 24 sports clubs and activities.
- In 1960 the Women’s Recreation Association was formed, and by 1972 co-ed leagues became popular with more 2,500 students participating.
- In 2000, an addition to the Sports and Fitness Center included Stout Adventures and the climbing wall, outdoor challenge course, equipment rentals, trips and clinics.
During the 2016-17 academic year, University Recreation facilities had nearly 6,000 swimming pool visits; 2,324 Fitness Center members with nearly 85,000 visits at two facilities; 2,747 intramural sports participants; more than 3,000 climbing wall visits; and 672 students in 25 sports clubs.
Learn more about the celebration and University Recreation at the website. The director is Lori Anda.
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Photos
Top: A UW-Stout student goes up the Stout Adventures climbing wall.
Bottom: UW-Stout students play intramural volleyball in 1965.
