Dennis Corrington started his career at Texas A&M University in 1973. After 45 years in Rec Sports, the executive director is retiring.
Over the last four and half decades, Dennis Corrington has been at the helm of Rec Sports, a program that has evolved from just intramural competition to sports clubs, group fitness, aquatics, and more.
“There’s an opportunity in the kinds of programs that we run for people to find a niche, for people to find a family,” said Corrington.
Corrington said recent studies have shown students who get involved in Rec Sports during their first year of school are more likely to return the next year.
“College can be very stressful and sometimes staying home might seem easier than going back to school and working your way through it, but if you have a family, if you have a core group at Texas A&M, you’re more likely to come back,” said Corrington.
Corrington said one of the biggest changes in rec sports has been the shift from intramural competition only to a general focus on healthy living.
Senior Associate Director Rick Hall will take Corrington’s place as director on September 1, 2018.
Courtesy of Texas A&M University:
By Courtney Rhodes, Texas A&M University Division of Student Affairs
COLLEGE STATION, July 25, 2018 – Each year, more than 1.2 million active Aggies swipe their IDs and pass through turnstiles at the Texas A&M University Student Recreation Center. They come to work out, attend group fitness classes, climb the rock wall, play intramural sports or club sports, rent equipment for an outdoor adventure, earn fitness and CPR certifications, or are one of the 1,100 student employees to clock in for a shift.
While the state-of-the-art facilities and programs are impressive, not many Rec Sports customers are familiar with the professional journey of the man who has helped shape the Department of Recreational Sports into one of the largest and best in the country: Dennis Corrington.
After 45 years at Texas A&M University, Corrington will retire on Aug. 31. Senior Associate Director Rick Hall and Corrington will do crossover training for the month of August and Hall will take his place as director on September 1.
A Visionary Inspiration for the Rec Sports Family
Between 1926 and 1973, six people held the director of Recreational Sports title. In 1973, Dennis Corrington began his journey at Texas A&M as director of intramural sports. Now, 45 years later, he is retiring after serving as executive director for almost half the time that the department has existed. Corrington has committed his life to providing students the best possible recreational experience while also elevating the profession in the United States.
Corrington’s influence and unparalleled leadership skills are what keep recreational sports staff in his employ for so long. His 36 employees have a combined 629 years of service; 12 of them have more than 20 years of service each.
“Dennis Corrington, in one word, is inspirational,” said Arranna Bennett, director of business services. “He has taught me about honesty―real honesty that he demonstrates daily. He stands his ground to make honest choices, and he inspires loyalty in everyone who follows him. He is a visionary; he sees potential and possibility and focuses on what can be. I am forever changed and made better because of Dennis Corrington’s influence on my life.”