In his 45 years as director of recreational sports, Corrington’s department grew from four full-time employees who worked in the Charles DeWare Field House to 36 full-time staff members and is the largest student employer on campus. (Audrey Bratton, David Wells/Division of Student Affairs)
“When I agreed to help out with that position, I thought it would be temporary,” said Reber. “I assumed I would fill in where I was needed and then go back. I never thought I would leave recreational sports. So when they offered me this position, I could not say no. Dennis was my supervisor, so when I made the move to the OVPSA, our roles switched and I eventually became his supervisor. Before I agreed to supervise the Department of Recreational Sports, I told the vice president that I wanted Dennis Corrington’s approval. I accepted the job only after getting an OK from Dennis Corrington, the man who had been my supervisor for 22 years.
My story is proof of the respect that recreational sports employees have for Dennis, and it shows the deep bonds that form because of these work relationships. Only a man of great humility who cared more about my career than his own success would have reacted this way.”
From Deware Field House to Vote Rec
In 1973, when Corrington became director of recreational sports, four full-time employees worked in the Charles DeWare Field House, which was located northwest of Kyle Field and demolished in 1997 to make room for construction of The Zone.
Today, the department employs 36 full-time staff members and is the largest student employer on campus. In addition to a 400,000-square-foot Student Recreation Center, which includes a world-class natatorium, outdoor adventures program (including indoor climbing facilities, trips, and clinics), the department manages the Penberthy Rec Sports Complex and the Omar Smith Instructional Tennis Center. It also collaborates with the Physical Education Activity Program to provide additional facilities and equipment to active Aggies.
In February, Texas A&M students voted in favor of two new satellite recreational sports facilities on campus: one near Southside residence halls and the other near the engineering corridor.
“I’ve always wanted to provide an excellent work place and to ensure that the staff love what they are doing. I enjoy watching the evolution of this profession, and I am proud to have been a part of it. My success is a team success. We built this together, and I could not have done it on my own.”
We still have so much to do, says Corrington.
“Not only are we working toward developing more facility space for students, but we will continue to push wellness as a whole,” he said. “There are so many more ways to be healthy than just the physical sense. It is an active process of becoming aware of and making choices toward both a healthy and fulfilling life. It is so much more than just being free from illness or being athletic. It is a dynamic process of change and growth. Teaching students this concept is where we are heading.”
True to his active nature, Corrington is already looking for the next challenge, post-retirement. Until he finds it, he will spend more time with his wife Sue, their four children, and nine grandchildren. Plans for more golf and traveling to national parks with his family are also in the works.
“Dennis Corrington has always been a visionary and a leader in university and campus recreation and has accomplished so much over the last 45 years. He challenged us to create or adopt the best practices in campus recreation, and with his leadership we have become one of the top programs in the country. I hope that I can have half the impact that Dennis had on this department, and hope to continue his legacy for many years to come.”
This article by Courtney Rhodes originally appeared on the Division of Student Affairs website.