Wellness and Recreation History

Where it All Began

1923

Prior to the first gymnasium being built on NC State’s campus, recreational activities took place in the YMCA Building when it opened in 1913. For several years, the Alumni Association requested that a gymnasium be built, and finally in 1923, the North Carolina General Assembly appropriated money for one. It was constructed at a cost of $410,000 and was located in the basement of Holladay Hall.

The Department of Physical Education and Athletics was established under the authorization of the board of trustees, stating the athletic program and policies of NC State College shall be organized and administered as an integral department of the College for the following reasons:

1. The need of physical training by all the students in the College.
2. The need of supervision in inter-mural (sic) sports.
3. Management of our now large intercollegiate athletic program.
4. Demands from high schools for teachers who have had training in physical education and community games.
5. The necessity of coordinating our physical education and athletic program with the curricula of the College.
6. The efficiency of the College teaches could be greatly increased by having them organized for systematic physical exercise.

1924

John F. Miller was hired to lead the newly formed Department of Physical Education and Athletics in 1924, and led the department until 1955. A graduate and former athlete at the International YMCA Training School in Springfield, Massachusetts, Miller brought to North Carolina State College commitments to teaching, a comprehensive curriculum, and a broad-based intramural program.

Miller organized the first Intramural Sports Program in the state of North Carolina. While the physical education faculty provided supervision, intramurals were primarily student-run activities. Students were trained to officiate their own contests. Outcomes of the program included the following:

• Help students develop desirable health habits.
• Train students mentally, morally and socially.
• Help students learn sportsmanship, fair play and self sacrifice to the best interest of the group.

1925

Frank Thompson Gymnasium was opened and dedicated on June 8, 1925, constructed at a cost of $410,000. Designed as a gymnasium by renowned New York architect Hobart B. Upjohn, the 56,770 square foot building was the first athletic facility of its kind in the southeast, complete with indoor running track, swimming pool, band room, equipment room, showers, two handball courts, wrestling area and weightlifting. NC State’s student enrollment at the time was 1,500, though the gymnasium was built to accommodate 120 students per hour.

Thompson was home to all NC State athletic endeavors, including physical education, intramural sports and the men’s basketball team. Thompson was also the center of campus social life, accommodating student dances, concerts and commencement exercises.

1926

The Intramural Sports program was organized into a fraternity league and a dormitory league that conducted competitions in the fall quarter for touch football, volleyball, handball and wrestling. Winter quarter offerings included basketball, swimming, table tennis and boxing, and the spring quarter offered softball, track, tennis and horseshoes. Off-campus students participated in dormitory teams and open tournaments were organized in tennis, handball and table tennis.

1932

Intramural Sports had 110 touch football games for 32 teams, 352 basketball games for 90 teams, 110 volleyball games for 32 teams and 159 bowling matches for 42 teams.

A major in physical education was approved to prepare students to teach and coach in public schools. There was only one graduating class in 1937 due of the Great Depression, which resulted in a consolidation of programs within the university system (NC State College, UNC-Chapel Hill and Women’s College, currently UNC- Greensboro). Numerous budgetary cutbacks, specifically to eliminate program duplication, were mandated by University President Frank Porter Graham. One of those lost by North Carolina State was the physical education major.

1946

Physical Education and Athletics became separate departments.

1947

Four new intramural sports to begin NC State: Football, Volleyball, Boxing and Tennis.

Big Four Sports Day was established, the first collegiate extramural event of it’s type. Featuring teams from the “Big 4” schools: NC State, Duke, UNC, Wake Forest. The first sports day was held in 1947 at UNC, and ended in 1998 at Wake Forest University.

The purpose of Big Four Sports Day was to promote cooperation and friendliness in a competitive setting and to provide the outstanding players in selected sports with an opportunity to demonstrate their ability in quality competition.

1951

‘Derr was a quiet, unassuming and effective department head. For example, without fanfare, during the drought of 1953, when no city water could be used to fill the swimming pool in Thompson Gymnasium, he arranged for the Agriculture Department to lay some irrigation pipes between the Pullen Park pool and the NC State pool. The water being drained from the city’s pool was recycled to fill the university’s pool. Swimming classes started on schedule.’

A New Space

Carmichael Gym was dedicated in November 1962

Through Derr’s leadership, the university successfully financed through student fees and state appropriations the construction of a modern facility. Carmichael Gymnasium was carefully planned by the faculty for teaching. The facility was designed around the curriculum and how best to serve students in classes.

Carmichael Gymnasium was named for William Donald Carmichael, a World War I Veteran and advocate for the completion of Reynolds Coliseum. 

Carmichael Gymnasium opened in May 1961 and was built to serve a student body that had grown to nearly 8,000. The gymnasium provided 196,799 square feet at a cost of $2,718,000. The 50 percent appropriated funds and 50 percent student fees were also used to construct and equip Carmichael.

A comprehensive listing of specialized areas within Carmichael Gymnasium are as follows:

1962

No provision was made for females’ physical development until 1962 when the first physical education classes were offered and required for women. That year there were 204 females enrolled at NC State. Gradually the department expanded from offering a few courses for women only to a fully co educational curriculum in the late 1980’s.

1967

David Atkins is named the third director for Intramural Athletics and assistant professor of Physical Education from 1967-72.

1971

Club Sports were added. Three full-time professionals to oversee Intramural Athletics and Club Sports.

The Outing Club was recognized as the first club team within Intramural Athletics.

1972

Jack Shannon named the fourth director for Intramural Athletics and assistant professor of Physical Education from 1972-82.

1976

Big Four Sports Day includes female participants.

1982

Lauffer managed the department through an executive committee consisting of the aquatics director, Bill Sooner, the required physical fitness and health course coordinator, Larry Brown, the scheduling officer Joel Brothers, the facilities coordinator Jack Shannon, the purchasing coordinator, Nellie Cooper and the intramural director, Sam Halstead.

During the 1981-82 academic year, the department began to check student ID’s to control access into the gymnasium.

Two professionals in physical education directed Intramural Athletics until fall 1982. In fall 1982, Sam Halstead was named the director. The two areas within Intramural Athletics were Intramural and Club Sports.

Between 1961 and 1981 NC State’s enrollment grew from 7,117 to 21,554. The 130,000 square foot addition became a reality because the students agreed to assess themselves a fee to pay off the entire cost of the facility. In February 1982 a Pack Poll telephone survey was conducted under the direction of the Student Affairs Planning Research office. More than 50 percent of the respondents stated a willingness to pay $40 a semester to finance the addition.

1983

Intramural Athletics Department name changed to Intramural – Recreational Sports, with a plan to expand recreational opportunities beyond just sports competition.

Two positions were created equaling a total faculty of four:

• Director – Sam Halstead
• Intramurals Men’s Assistant Director – Randy Bechtolt
• Intramurals Women’s and Co-Rec Assistant Director – Lynn Smith
• Club Sports Assistant Director – John Bonner

1985

The National Collegiate Flag Football Championships began in 1979 at the University of New Orleans. The National Championship was the first recognized national extramural tournament for collegiate students. Intramural Sports sent their first teams to the National Flag Football Championships in New Orleans, men’s and women’s teams. Two student officials traveled to officiate the extramural tournament.

1986

Intramural Sports sent their first co-rec team to the National Flag Football Championships in New Orleans. NC State has a team in each division: men’s, women’s and co-rec. All-American players: Kirk Matthews, Melva George and Sherri Mallinowski.

1987

Carmichael Gymnasium Addition was completed and dedicated on April 10, 1987. This addition added 130,000 square feet costing $9,993,216 with amenities such as:

• Eight handball/racquetball courts
• One weight room
• Golf room
• Redesign of fencing room
• Multi-purpose gymnasium
• Three basketball courts
• Jogging track
• Dance studio
• Gymnastics area
• Rock climbing area
• 50-meter Olympic-size swimming pool with a sun deck
• Renovated men’s and women’s locker rooms
• Sauna bath
• Steam room
• Outdoor archery range
• Golf sand trap and green
• Putting greens
• Tennis courts
• Outdoor basketball courts
• Outdoor weight training area

“They’re [students] eager for the school’s new Carmichael Gym annex to open officially next month so they can go up to the third floor and, under the supervision of experience rock climbing instructors, make their assaults on an 80-foot-long, 28-foot-high ersatz stone cliff built of steel and blown-on concrete. It is believed to be the world’s most realistic indoor climbing wall – complete with outcroppings, fissures, ledges and even painted-on lichen.”

– Sports Illustrated

1988

NC State traveled to the National Flag Football Championships in New Orleans. John Szymeczek was named NC State’s first All American Official.

1990

The team “Pack Attack” won NC State’s first National Championship. The team finished 5-0 with an exciting semi-final overtime victory against South Alabama. NC State scored on the last play in regulation against South Alabama to tie the score. In overtime NC State scored first and then held South Alabama scoreless to claim the victory. The team also featured three All-American Athletes.

1991

Fitness and Formal Recreation developed. Robin Bell hired as the Fitness and Informal Recreation Assistant Director in fall of 1991. The position was created by changing the title and replacing the Intramurals Women’s and Co-Rec assistant director position.

The program featured land and water based aerobics classes and workshops in nutrition and wellness.

NC State wins second National Co-Rec Championship at the National Flag Football Championships in New Orleans.

The Pack Attack co-rec team repeated as National Champions by never trailing in any game as they won all five games by mercy rule (23 points).

1992

In February of 1992 the aquatic center was named in honor of long time swim coach Willis R. Casey (1946-69). Casey also served as Assistant Athletics Director and Athletics Business Manager (1949-69) and Director of Athletics (1969-86).

1993

Intramural – Recreation Sports continued expansion to Outdoor Adventures program and Marketing. Brian Miller was the first assistant director Outdoor Adventures and Rob Philippi was the first marketing/publications assistant director.

Outdoor Adventures led first trip to the Nahtahala National Forest.

1994

September 1994, Outdoor Adventures opens the storehouse, providing camping and backpacking equipment for check-out.

1995

Edwin Lee was named NC State’s third All American official.

1998

Re-org of Intramural-Recreational Sports establishes and associate director position and an assistant director officials position, which later became an Intramural Sports coordinator position.

NC State won its third co-rec National Championship at the National Flag Football Championships in New Orleans.

“Pack Attack” finished 5-0 with a thrilling semi-final overtime win against Nebraska. NC State scored on the first play of overtime with a misdirection play by Danyel Parker at the quarterback position. The first play of Nebraska’s possession in overtime was intercepted by Daniel Bridges which sealed the victory.

1999

The Men’s Ultimate Club beat UC-Santa Barbara, 15-9 in Boulder, Colorado to become the 1999 National Champions.

2000

Intramural-Recreational Sports was given responsibility for facilities management. The total number of facility users increased to a total of 778,668.

Jason Cheek was named NC State’s fifth All American official.

2001

Justin Ford was named NC State’s sixth All American official.

2002

Department of Physical Education separates into three Departments:

1. Physical Education
2. Campus Recreation
3. Carmichael Complex, Facilities and Operations

Rick Palmieri was named NC State’s seventh All American official. 

The NC State Women’s Club Basketball team won their first National Championship in basketball. NC State trailed by 13 points at halftime to the University of Louisville. A thrilling comeback tied the score at the end of regulation. With three starters fouling out, Larissa Bailey and Erica Cerqueria made critical shots in overtime to capture the win.

2003

Rick Palmieri repeated as All American official.

2004

Outdoor Adventures offered its first air-based trip during spring break to the Grand Canyon.

2005

Jon Wall was named NC State’s eighth All American official.

Campus Recreation hosted the inaugural RecFest.

2006

Bass Fishing’s Chad Craven and Alex Freeman are the 2006 College Bass Fishing National Champions. Chad and Alex competed and won the tournament on Lake Lewisville, Texas in October of 2006. 

Michael Doyle was National Flag Football Hall of Fame. Michael played at NC State from 1987-90.

2007

Campus Recreation provided new services including personal training, fitness assessment, and massage.

The Carmichael Recreation Center was opened. Construction cost was $12 million. Features of the facility included:

• 14,000 square feet of fitness space
• Four multi-purpose studios
• Outdoor Adventures Equipment Rental Center
• Three meeting rooms

2008

Campus Recreation hosted the ACIS National Basketball Championships. This was the largest number of teams ever assembled for a national basketball tournament, including 69 intramural teams from 42 institutions.

Gerri Roebuck is inducted into the National Flag Football Hall of Fame. Doug played at NC State from 1990-94.

2009

Campus Recreation and Carmichael Complex, Facilities, and Operations combine to become University Recreation. 

A progressive year led to the expansion of activities including: TRX Training, Spin Cycling Classes and Wolf Wheels Bike Rentals. 

Doug Herakovich is inducted into the National Flag Football Hall of Fame. Doug played at NC State from 1990-92.

The Challenge Course High Ropes Course was built, labor was donated by Jim Wall’s Cornerstone Design

Disc Golf Course added to Centennial Campus.

Bass Fishing’s Will White and Chris Wood are the 2009 Under Armour College Bass Fishing National Champions. Will and Chris competed and won the tournament on the Arkansas River in July of 2009.

University Recreation hosted the ACIS National Basketball Championships for the second year, with 64 teams representing 55 institutions.

2010

University Recreation hosted the ACIS National Basketball Championships for the third year introducing a Men’s Club division for the first year. 52 teams competed.

Men’s Club Basketball 2010 ACIS National Basketball Champions. 

The NC State Wolfpack Men’s Club Team earned the 2010 ACIS National Championship title in the Club Division after defeating Southside Virginia Community College 55-41. Taylor Payne led the Club Team with 13 points overall and was supported by Tyler Eubanks (10 points) and Richmond Lyons (9 points) in overpowering their opponents to earn the win. SVCC’s Jayvon Lockett and Ray Stith put in strong performances in the losing effort.

NC State’s Taylor Payne was named as Tournament MVP and teammates Jay Lewis and Griffin Wilson earned honors on the All-Tournament Team. SVCC’s Jayvon Lockett was also selected to the All-Tournament Team. 

In the fall of 2010, NC State engaged a team of strategic facility planners and architects to guide the University’s development of a Recreational Sports Master Plan to assess and address demand for indoor and outdoor recreation space over the next 20 years. The planning process resulted in an implementation strategy that maximizes the use of the University’s existing facilities prior to recommending new space be constructed. Data was collected via strategic asset valuation; focus groups with students, faculty, staff and affiliates; competitive context analysis; web based survey; and demand projections.

2011

University Recreation hosted the National Basketball Championships for the fourth year with 72 teams in 4 divisions, men’s intramural, women’s intramural, men’s club and women’s club.

At the National Flag Football Championships, Travis Wilborn was named NC State’s ninth All American official, as well as a NIRSA Flag Football All American official.

2012

University Recreation hosted the National Basketball Championships for the fifth year with 72 teams.

NC State Men’s Intramural Team defeats the University of North Carolina Pembroke to become the 2012 NIRSA National Basketball Men’s Intramural Champions. NC State’s Rashard Smith was named the MVP and KC Obi-Gwacham earned All-American honors. 

Brandon Taylor was named NC State’s tenth All American official.

Ben Dziwulski and Ethan Cox become the Boat US Collegiate Bass Fishing National Champions in Florence, Alabama – Lake Pickwick.

2013

University Recreation hosted the NIRSA National Basketball Championships for the sixth year, partnering with NIRSA for the first year. With 70 teams (19 states), 44 student officials, 64 collegiate recreation professionals and students, and 60 NC State student volunteers. Cal Poly traveled 2,697.8 miles to compete. 44 student officials were selected from at-large applications and regional bids to referee and compete for the top 6 All American Officials Honor.

Dustin Champion was named NIRSA Flag Football All American official, and Brandon Taylor was named NC State’s eleventh Flag Football All American official.

2014

A Financial Analysis and Capital Improvement Plan was completed to revise financial assumptions and refresh the prioritization of the previously identified capital projects as well as adjust for NC State’s future debt capacity outlook and the University Physical Master Plan. The current Rec Sports Master Plan includes eight projects with comprehensive financial modeling.

University Recreation hosted the NIRSA National Basketball Championships for the seventh year. Sixty-two collegiate recreation professionals from 47 colleges and universities attended to work on the officials and competition committees. Fifty-One top intramural sport student officials traveled to Raleigh from 39 colleges and universities. 84 teams and 906 students participated in 4 divisions.

Dustin Champion repeated as a NIRSA Flag Football All American official.

Paintball becomes NCPA Class AA National Champions in Lakeland, Florida.

2015

University Recreation hosted the NIRSA National Basketball Championships for the eighth and final year as the tournament moves to Ohio State University for the next three years. The tournament hosted 75 premiere collegiate recreation professionals from 46 colleges and universities, 57 top intramural sport student officials from 38 colleges and universities, and 95 teams from 65 colleges and universities with more than 1,060 participants.

2016

In May 2016 Board of Governors approval to move forward with design and construction of the $44 million dollar Carmichael Addition and Renovation scheduled to be completed in Fall 2020. The space will create a main primary entrance, become the hub of health and wellness, and provide much needed fitness space.

Zac Lewis wins National Collegiate Club Golf Association Spring 2016 Individual National Championship.

In July 2016 the Locker Room Renovation and Fitness Center Expansion added approximately 5,000 square feet of fitness center space, re-purposed underutilized and inefficient men’s locker room, upgraded finishes in locker room and provide a “health club” look and feel, and addressed facility accessibility and safety deficiencies. The project cost, $7.6 Million.