New Paltz, NY – With other schools needing to shutdown due to outbreaks from the COVID-19 pandemic, the State University of New York Athletics, Wellness and Recreation Department under the guidelines of the SUNY New Paltz re-opening plan had its facilities open for students, not needing to close once, since its opening on August 28.  

The Wellness and Recreation Department put together a myriad of events, both in-person and virtual, for its students, while also hosting a bevy of late-night programming to continue to keep students engaged throughout the weekend. 

Because of the success the Department saw throughout the semester in staying open and aiding in student engagement, Associate Wellness & Recreation Director Christina Cordier-Purdy and Assistant Wellness & Recreation Director/Aquatics Director Kevin Makarewicz were highlighted in a recent article by the National Intramural and Recreational Sports Association (NIRSA).

"It was both a challenge and a privilege to continue to uphold our mission during the COVID-19 pandemic," Cordier-Purdy said. "Perhaps the greatest message from our students that we heard many times was that even under different circumstances the AWC was still their home away a from home and a catalyst to new friendships and connections. I am excited to continue our creative approach towards fulfilling our mission and being a safe space for our students." 

SUNY New Paltz celebrated having its 10,000th user on Nov. 12, as freshman Jenny Walton enjoyed a photo with Hugo the Hawk and some fresh Hawks apparel after swiping in as lucky 10,000. As the facility was set to close for the winter until the spring semester Nov. 24 at 5 p.m., the Department tracked 12,719 swipe-ins of students who either enjoy a workout, took a swim in Elting Pool or participated in a group exercise class. Junior Kathleen Mangan also earned free Hawks gear after boasting the most swipes of all students in the facility with 144 uses.

Overall, there were more than 750 live and virtual participants for group exercise classes, the majority being in-person with cycle as the most frequented with nearly 240 attendees.

In-person intramural sport offerings were also popular during the fall, accounting for 110 participants, while in-person late night programming had the second most participants with 60 over the course of four events (Soccer Tennis, Backyard Pong with Additional Lawn Games, Footgolf, Mafia and Waterpong), which were scheduled on either Friday or Saturday nights. In-person Winning Wednesday events had 34 participants and in-person Singles Leagues (Tennis, Pickleball and Footgolf) had 16 students take advantage of the offering.

Esports was also popular throughout the semester. Makarewicz hosted a SUNY New Paltz Esports tournament with nearly 40 participants with the top-two finalists in each game advancing to the SUNY Intramural Esports Championship Tournament, which Makarewicz organized with fellow SUNY campuses. Simultaneously, Makarewicz put together teams who competed in a SUNY Esports League, which offered new games and some repeat titles to provide even more competition and outlets for students.

SUNY New Paltz plans to re-open next semester, again with health and safety at the forefront, while continuing to provide its students with an outlet for exercise and mental well-being. Building hours, along with group exercise, late-night programming and intramural sports offerings will be announced at a later date.

When asked what students can expect from the spring semester, Makarewicz said, "we are really going to dive-in on debriefing what worked well and what could use some tweaking to put our best foot forward for the spring in terms of facility options and protocol and new programming ideas for students."

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