For over 99 years, Recreational Sports has provided quality programs, services, and facilities. The Division is recognized as one of the oldest and largest collegiate recreational sports programs in the country. What began as the Men’s Intramural Program expanded and evolved over decades to become one of the most popular programs on campus and an essential part of the Longhorn experience. Today, Recreational Sports features seven distinct program areas – Intramural Sports, Fitness/Wellness, Sport Clubs, Instructional, Outdoor Recreation, Civic Engagement and Informal Recreation. Eight wide-ranging facilities offer over 500,000 square feet of indoor space and 40 acres of outdoor space.
The Division’s reach extends to students, faculty, staff, alumni, parents, visitors and the general community who enjoy access to a comprehensive array of facilities, programs, services and special events.
As a unit of the Division of Student Affairs, Recreational Sports supports and complements the University’s academic and public service objectives, assists in fulfilling its core purpose and values, and contributes significantly to the University’s disciplined culture of excellence.
Six RecSports student groups are also fundraising during 40 Hours for the 40 Acres. Donations to these groups go directly into their club budgets to offset tournament, travel, and other expenses for the student participants.
Longhorn Stream Team
Every semester, Longhorn Stream Team works with the Settlement Home and the Helping Hands Home. Both organizations provide homes and services for children who have experienced abuse and neglect. The Longhorn Stream Team takes children from these two homes on trips canoeing Town Lake to teach them about their natural environment and to provide a much needed relaxing and fun day. Currently, Longhorn Stream Team only has enough equipment to take 10 children per trip. Money raised during 40 Hours for the 40 Acres will go toward purchasing canoes and other necessary equipment to better serve these two vital philanthropies. This equipment will also be utilized throughout the year as part of Longhorn Stream Team’s committed effort toward Texas water conservation efforts and collection of water quality data.
Texas Ballroom
Texas Ballroom provides dance lessons in ballroom, country, and social styles of dance for students, faculty, and staff at UT Austin. Money raised during 40 Hours for the 40 Acres will go toward shoes, instructor fees, transportation, and hosting the Austin Open dance competition.
Texas Rock Climbing
Representing UT in the Collegiate Climbing Series, Texas Rock Climbing team members practice up to four days a week and receive climbing instruction. The club hosts two competitions annually and builds community through film screenings and volunteer trail projects in the Austin area. The money raised during 40 Hours for the 40 Acres will be used to pay for the hotel rooms and car rentals during this year’s Collegiate Climbing Series Nationals on April 22-23.
Texas Triathlon
Texas Triathlon is composed of approximately one hundred student athletes that compete in races around the South Midwest Region. In April, 30 individuals are traveling to Clemson, South Carolina for the U.S. Collegiate National Triathlon. Funds raised during 40 Hours for the 40 Acres will go toward expenses for this trip including flights, rentals, and other race amenities.
Texas Women’s Rugby
Texas Women’s Rugby travels frequently for competitions, including representing UT Austin at national tournaments. Money raised during 40 Hours for the 40 Acres campaign helps take some of this expense from the participating students, allowing the club to keeps dues at a minimum and incorporate as many interested players as possible.
Texas Women’s Volleyball
Texas Women’s Volleyball is committed to excellence and enhancing the college experience of each member through volleyball engagement. The club competes year-round in regional tournaments as well as the annual Collegiate National Club Volleyball Tournament. The funds raised during 40 Hours for the 40 Acres will help cover the costs of attending this year’s tournament in Louisville, Kentucky.
