History
1897
Herron Gym was built as a gymnasium for men near what is currently Roudebush Hall. It was later renamed Van Voorhis Hall before being torn down in the mid 80's.
1912
Sawyer Gym was built and included a small pool in the basement, a basketball court on the main floor, and a raised track around the basketball court.
1921
Margaret Phillips was hired as Director of Physical Education for Women. She retired in 1962 after a distinguished career developing educational and recreational programs for women.
1921
Thomas Van Voorhis was hired as Director of Intramural Athletics. He retired in 1956 and is credited with starting one of the first intramural programs on a university campus in the United States.
1932
Withrow Court was built for men's physical education and intercollegiate athletics.
1936
The Women's Recreation Association (W.R.A) cabin was built northeast of Oxford for women's recreational purposes only. No other groups were allowed to use this cabin in the 1960's.
1952
Billings Natatorium was built for men's physical education and intercollegiate swimming and diving.
1962
Herron Hall was built as a new women's only physical education facility. This facility was later renamed Phillips Hall in recognition of the accomplishments of Margaret Phillips.
1974
Women's athletics were integrated into the intercollegiate athletic department.
1976
The Office of Intramural Recreation was created in 101 Withrow Court. The initial staff included one director and three graduate students.
1981
The Ohio Recreational Sports Association (ORSA) was formed.
1994
Miami Recreational Sports Center was built at a cost of approximately 25 million dollars.
2014
Miami Recreation Celebrates 20 Years
Herron Gym
Withrow Court
Phillips Hall
Recreational Sports Center
Miami Recreation Then and Now
| Description | 1994 | 2014 |
|---|---|---|
| Intramural Leagues, Tournaments, and Special Events | 24 | 36 |
| Full-time Staff | 20 | 42 |
| Club Sport Teams | 28 | 48 |
| Academic Classes Offered | 0 | 11 |
| Weekly Group Fitness Classes | 25 | 110 |
Alumni
It is estimated that over 150 full-time staff and 2,500 students have worked in Miami Recreation since 1976. If you are one of them we'd love to touch base, hear your stories, and share how you can stay involved with our staff and programs. For more information contact Mike Arnos at (513) 529-8179 or arnosmp@miamioh.edu.