Michael Johnson is the assistant director of sports programs and summer campus at UTC. Photo by Angela Foster.
Campus Recreation at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga has just about everything one could ask for. Between the Aquatic and Recreation Center—also known as the ARC—and the Sports Complex, students can work out, compete or just enjoy being active on campus.
Michael Johnson, a former athlete who played five sports in high school, is the assistant director of sports programs and summer camps at UTC, oversees club sports, intramural sports, day-to-day operations, equipment rentals and Mocs Adventure Camp—UTC’s summer youth camp for kids in kindergarten through eighth grade.
He shared the many ways students, staff and faculty can get involved in campus recreation at UTC.
If you were talking to a first-year or prospective student, how would you describe Campus Recreation?
“I really believe we have something for everybody. If you’re an athlete, we’ve got club and intramural sports. If you want to hang out with friends, shoot hoops, throw a Frisbee or just be outside, we’ve got space for that.
“If fitness is your thing, we have F45, group fitness, cycling, personal training and a big weight room. If you like being outdoors, our UTC Outdoors program is second to none. They do canoeing, whitewater rafting, hiking, snowboarding—really cool trips, and they’re discounted.
“And aquatics is huge. We don’t just have a pool. We have an aquatic center. There’s a lazy river, hot tubs, lap lanes, water volleyball and water basketball. There’s just a lot you can do.”
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Click here to learn more about UTC Outdoors, including the climbing gym, outdoor equipment rentals, trips, micro-adventures and more.
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Why are club sports an important part of campus life at UTC?
“We currently have about 23 club sports: some men’s, some women’s and some co-ed. Club sports are for students who may have played in high school or at another school or for students who want to keep competing at a higher level than intramurals.
“They pay dues, they join a team and they compete against other universities and colleges. We’ve got some really good clubs, too. Our softball club went to the club softball World Series in their first year. Men’s baseball is strong. Moxie and Swamp—our women’s and men’s ultimate teams—are great.
“And if students don’t see something they’re interested in, they can start a club. You only need five members, an advisor and bylaws, and we help walk them through all of that.”
How are intramurals different from club sports?
“Intramurals are really for everybody. You can sign up with your friends or as a free agent and play against other students and sometimes staff here on campus.
“We run longer seasons and shorter tournaments. Our signature series lasts about four to six weeks with games and playoffs. Our flash series might be a one-day or two-day tournament. We do basketball, soccer, cornhole, ultimate Frisbee, and table tennis. There’s a lot going on.”
What do you see students getting out of club sports and intramurals beyond the competition?
“A lot of students find their people. Some teams are made up of friend groups; some are fraternity or sorority teams, church groups and things like that.
“There’s also the fitness side of it. We have recreational leagues and competitive leagues, so whether you just want to play for fun or you really want to compete, there’s a place for you.
“I also see students try things they’ve never done before. We had people play table tennis for the first time and ended up really enjoying it. They made friends and picked up a new hobby.
“And sometimes intramural teams turn into club teams. Our women’s basketball club actually started as an intramural team, traveled to a tournament and then officially became a club.”
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Click here to learn more about club sports and here to explore intramural sports.
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What’s something students don’t always realize about the Sports Complex?
“A big thing is that we’re open during set hours every day, not just when intramurals are going on. That’s something I hear from my staff a lot, that students think they can only come during games.
“We’re open Monday through Thursday from 3 to 10 p.m., Fridays from 3 to 6 p.m., and weekends from noon to 6 p.m. Students can also reserve space online.
“A lot of people reserve volleyball courts, bring music and just hang out with friends. Don’t feel limited to intramurals. Come use the space.”
What do you personally take advantage of most through Campus Recreation?
“I honestly take advantage of everything. I’m a big intramurals guy. If we don’t have a staff team, I usually find some students who want me to play on their team.
“I also love UTC Outdoors. If they need a chaperone on a trip, I’m usually down to go. I’ve rented equipment myself and done my own trips, too.
“Fitness is probably what I do the most. I go to classes two to three times a week. But being a sports guy, intramurals are probably my favorite. I still have that competitive edge.”
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