The Evolution of Lancer Recreation: A Reflection of Student Experiences

Author: Zoe Kepran

Lancer Recreation at the University of Windsor is a dynamic force, continually transforming student experiences through its rich history and ever-evolving opportunities.

In the 1960s, the opening of the St. Denis Centre sparked excitement, marking a significant upgrade in recreational facilities. Moving into the 1990s, the vibrancy of recreational sports illustrated how limited options still fostered connection and personal growth. The 2000s signified the emergence of the Forge, emphasizing the expanding landscape of campus recreation. By the 2010s, student involvement had become increasingly integral to the identity of Lancer Recreation.

Today, Lancer Recreation thrives as a bustling hub for community building and personal wellness, marked by significant growth in programming and student employment opportunities. These perspectives highlight the profound impact of Lancer Recreation on student life at the University of Windsor.

With the long-held dream of a new facility realized, the spotlight now turns to cultivating deeper connections and elevating community engagement – setting the stage for an even brighter future.

The Humble Beginnings of Campus Recreation: Steve Kepran’s Experience

Steve Kepran, a multi-sport athlete at the University of Windsor from 1969 to 1973 and a proud member of the Lancer football, track, and swim teams, reflects on the transformation of recreational facilities during his time as a Human Kinetics student, which coincided with the opening of the new pool in 1969.

Before the establishment of the St. Denis Centre, recreational facilities at the University of Windsor were limited to the original St. Denis Hall which was built in 1915, and was expanded in 1948 and offered only a basketball court and a few intramural leagues.

The opening of the new pool represented a major upgrade, offering students new program offerings and ushering campus recreation into a transformative era.

“When the new building opened, I was excited to start swimming for the school. It was a beautiful facility.  We had a brand-new swimming pool, we had all the HK new classrooms and labs. It really changed our experience.”

Looking back, he acknowledges how that change was not just physical additions but deeply impactful on the overall student experience, shaping their sense of campus community and improving opportunities for personal growth.

“It’s hard to remember all the details from so long ago… but I do recall the excitement and the significant change that came with the new building.”

The St. Denis Centre, which opened in the 1980-81 academic year, featured the Fieldhouse with a seven-lane, 200-meter indoor track, four full-sized basketball courts (three of which can be used simultaneously), as well as six badminton and six volleyball courts.

 

From Aspiration to Involvement: Stephanie Parent’s Journey in Campus Recreation

Reflecting on her time at the University of Windsor from 1996 to 2001, Stephanie Parent offers insights into the evolution of campus recreation. Her journey began with aspirations to join the university’s volleyball team, coached by her high school mentors. However, after being cut, she didn’t just pivot – she fully immersed herself in the recreational sports scene.

“I ended up playing co-ed 3-on-3 volleyball on Monday nights. I refereed men’s 3-on-3, played women’s 3-on-3 basketball on Wednesdays, and then refereed women’s 3-on-3 volleyball on Thursdays.”

Balancing a demanding academic schedule, she used sport as a vital outlet, helping to alleviate the stresses of student life and stay actively engaged in her passion for athletics.

“I had classes from eight until four, and then I was at the St. Denis Centre from six until 11:30, Monday through Thursday. It was great. I love sport.”

Refereeing games not only deepened her involvement but also provided employment, showcasing how Lancer Recreation offered students avenues to blend work and play while creating lasting connections.

However, options for student employment were limited during her time.

“At that time, really the only opportunity for employment was as a referee, and I’m not sure about lifeguarding at the pool.”

The referee roles were quite basic, with only three available and minimal coordination.

“I don’t ever really remember reporting to anybody. There was someone in charge of the referees, but it felt kind of student-run, which was a lot of fun.”

Despite the limitations, she considered herself fortunate to have had that experience in Lancer Recreation, which allowed her to stay engaged and connected while earning a little extra money.

During her time, fitness and recreation options were significantly more limited. Students had access to the varsity weight room beneath the pool and the Duddy (now known as the Centre for Human Performance and Health or CHPH), which served as the primary fitness space.

“The Duddy was downstairs… all the lockers were downstairs.”

She emphasized the liveliness of the lower level, which served as a hub for students despite its lack of modern amenities.

The St. Denis Centre felt different then, highlighting how much has changed since those days. While it looks largely the same today, with dividers and facilities unchanged, the atmosphere of the lower level was vibrant, serving as a center for students.

From Student Observer to Fitness Coordinator: Mike McMahon

Mike McMahon (BHK ‘07) reflects on his time at the University of Windsor as both a former student and the current Lancer Recreation Assistant Fitness & Sport Conditioning Coordinator.

He recalls his student days not as an actively involved participant but rather as a casual observer.

“It’s kind of odd that I’m the fitness coordinator here and so involved in Lancer Recreation because when I was here as a student, I wasn’t really.”

McMahon’s involvement began when he lived with roommates on the football team, prompting him to join their workouts at the St. Denis Centre. He fondly recalls the opening of the Forge in 2005, a significant upgrade from the Duddy, which had been the primary fitness space for students until then.

“When I was a student, there weren’t many options outside of intramurals or the occasional fitness class.”

“I didn’t know when the pool was open; I remember going in for Aquatic PTA classes, but I’d always walk past it through the HK building thinking, ‘Oh, the pool’s closed. Wish I could go in.’”

He acknowledges that the environment has transformed dramatically, emphasizing the growth in both facilities and program offerings that have contributed to a more expansive and inclusive recreational community.

Championing Student Engagement in Recreation: Giulia Barile

For Giulia Barile (BHK ‘17, MHK ‘19), her academic and professional journey at the University of Windsor was deeply intertwined with Lancer Recreation, where she currently serves as the Assistant Intramurals & Community Programs Coordinator.

“I did my undergrad and my master’s at Windsor, both in Human Kinetics.”

Barile began her involvement with Lancer Recreation a few years into her studies, starting with summer camps before moving into intramural sports.

“I worked as a referee and manager and then kind of worked my way up.”

As a student, Barile actively participated in intramural leagues, balancing her commitments as a varsity athlete. Working out in the Forge and the old Duddy was a key part of her daily routine. At that time, there was no space exclusively for varsity athletes, which significantly influenced their experience.

“We didn’t have the new TLC space or the new pool, so we were in the old pool. The Forge was the only workout space for the entire campus, and the Duddy was used for instructional classes only.”

She remembers that while the Forge could get crowded, it still met their needs.

“The marketing tools available now really help increase student awareness of what’s available.”

Social media platforms like Instagram allow Lancer Recreation to reach more students than ever.

She also notes a growing emphasis on physical and mental health, especially after the pandemic.

“It’s become so much more important now.”

Barile acknowledges that while certain programs, such as yoga and Zumba, have stood the test of time, new trends continue to emerge, showcasing how Lancer Recreation adapts to shifting demographics.

“Our student population changes, with many international students who might have different interests.”

Her journey as a student employee has profoundly shaped her current role, infusing her with a deep sense of pride and connection to the Lancer nation.

“Working as a student instilled a lot of Lancer blue and gold pride in me…I genuinely care about what we do because I was impacted by these programs and services.”

Barile attributes many of her skills to her time at Lancer Recreation, especially in leadership and time management.

“I don’t know if there’s anywhere else on campus where you can get such leadership opportunities.”

As a piece of advice for current students, Barile encourages involvement from the start.

“Don’t wait like I did. There’s something for everyone.”

She underscores the importance of participating not only for physical and mental health but also for the community connections formed through Lancer Recreation.

“You truly won’t regret it.”

Insights from Today’s Lancer Recreation Community: Modern Student Experiences

 

McMahon paints a vivid picture of what Lancer Recreation looks like today, highlighting its vibrant atmosphere and diverse programs.

Since the late 1990s, the expansion of student employment opportunities in Lancer Recreation has been extraordinary, growing from just three intramural referees to approximately 150 employees across various departments. The fitness department alone boasts 32 student employees, with an additional six to seven contract employees teaching instructional classes.

The reopening of the new pool, following years of closure of the old pool, dramatically increased staffing requirements, leading to the hiring of approximately 50 to 60 new aquatic staff members. The service desk, which was previously a makeshift arrangement, now employs an additional 12 to 14 staff members.

This growth in student employment reflects the increasing popularity and participation in programs such as intramural volleyball, which saw around 44 teams last semester, and a surge in fitness offerings that expanded from eight online classes a week to 37 in-person classes. These developments mark at least a ten-fold increase in employment opportunities.

Current students at the University of Windsor express deep appreciation for Lancer Recreation and the significant role it plays in their university experience. Each student offers a unique perspective shaped by their personal journeys and interactions with the facilities and programs. While their suggestions for improvement often focus on small changes, these enhancements complement the larger vision of Lancer Recreation.

Marco Ayala, a Human Kinetics student, emphasizes the importance of community building through his work as a Fitness Desk Representative and Personal Trainer. Having recently joined Lancer Recreation, he notes that the environment has allowed him to connect with fellow students and forge new relationships.

“It’s been really cool to see familiar faces become friends.”

Ayala hopes to see minor adjustments in the gym’s layout, such as rearranging equipment for better accessibility.

“Even small changes, like moving the squat racks around, could make a big difference.”

Ashton Curtis, a Drama in Education student, recalls a time when the fitness environment felt exclusive for varsity and Human Kinetics students before the new building’s opening. However, he notes that the modern facilities have transformed that perception.

“The new workout spaces are a lot more inclusive and welcoming.”

While he appreciates the current offerings, he envisions small improvements, such as introducing more martial arts classes and expanding class times to accommodate students during quieter periods in the academic calendar.

“Just a few more options would make it even better.”

For Angelo Rufo, a Commerce student, Lancer Recreation has been crucial to his fitness journey. He recalls how the transition to the new building after the pandemic improved access to facilities, allowing him to maintain his health after losing a significant amount of weight.

“I liked working out in the Forge, but sometimes I felt like my options were limited in terms of equipment. Now with the TLC, it gives students a lot more choices.”

Rufo also advocates for lower costs associated with intramural participation, which he believes could make sports more accessible to students. He feels that reducing these fees could encourage more students to join and engage in recreational activities.

“Making intramurals more affordable would really help get more people involved”

Together, these perspectives underscore the impact of Lancer Recreation on student life at the University of Windsor, illustrating how small improvements can enhance community engagement, promote health and well-being, and provide opportunities for meaningful connections.

McMahon’s reflections humorously capture the spirit of Lancer Recreation’s growth, comparing it to a ‘field of dreams’—as he puts it, “if you build it, they will come.'”

The new facilities have indeed drawn a crowd, with bustling fitness spaces and packed programs, but he’s quick to acknowledge that the popularity comes with its own challenges.

“Our nighttime times in the fitness spaces are a gong show of bonkers busy…We’re technically kind of turning people away because of where our fitness spaces are in capacity.”

This energy, however, is a testament to the success of Lancer Recreation. With swim lessons and camps filling up as soon as they are announced, it’s clear that students and the community have found a true home here.

While the major milestones have been achieved, McMahon believes the focus now shifts to refining the experience even further, enhancing accessibility and making every visit more seamless.

“It’s just about fine-tuning the operations and ensuring that everyone feels included and has a chance to participate.”

Lancer Recreation’s journey – from the early days of the St. Denis Centre to the rise of the Forge and today’s bustling facilities – captures decades of growth, community, and connection.

Now focused on fine-tuning, it remains steadfast in fostering health, inclusion, and engagement, proving that thoughtful spaces and evolving programs can truly transform student life at the University of Windsor.