Mason Recreation

Leaders Aren’t Born, They Are Forged

Often times it takes a certain level of finesse and foresight to inspire the minds of people around one’s self. It takes even more to build the wills of others to both see and meet the goals and needs of an organization. Xavier Savannah exceeds those expectations for the George Mason University Club Football Organization. Xavier is a sophomore, the President of the GMU Club Football, and has been selected as the National Club Football Association (NCFA) President of the Year. Whether on or off the field, Xavier is true to himself and never waivers towards executing his goals.

X is a great leader for the football team. He has a lot to juggle and does a great job making sure the team has everything it needs. He is one of the best players on the team and leads by example. The way he supports his teammates, the amount of effort he invests to help the team grow, and his competitiveness both on and off the field really resonates with both the players and coaching staff. Whether you need paperwork or need to know the next location for the fundraiser; he’s your guy for it all. -Mike Girdy JR

“Xavier’s reliability, relatability, and adaptability to situations are what make him a great leader. He exemplifies these traits during game time when situations mandate him to play different positions and off the field circumstances that require resolutions to accommodate 30+ student-athletes. I rally behind him because I know he’s always focused and shows passion without losing his head. – Traemar Pringle

“Before games and after he’s vocal; you’ll hear him cracking jokes. Then when on the field, he’s a silent leader/player that’s tamed, cool, collected. He’s talented and knows it, but won’t gloat about it in your face, he lets his actions speak for himself. Off the field, he is a go-getter and sees his tasks done to the tea. He is quite headstrong. Which is what the club football team needs; without him and a lot of the stuff he deals with in the background there wouldn’t be club football team period. – Alex Powell

 

When reflecting on the club football team’s recent history, they have been on a slow decline; however, since in his freshman year, Xavier has seen areas in which the team can grow. Because of his leadership and proactive attitude, he was appointed as the President for 2016-2017. I asked Xavier what it took to turn the club around and get it back on track. He told me a lot of hard work. He realized he had to stretch himself quite thin and appoint an entirely new E-board, revamp social media pages with modernized flyers that shared similarities to modern sports styles, and have promotional items. He recognized the importance of making sure the team was seen more on campus as well as the importance of budgeting seasonal funds properly from year to year. By properly monitoring the team’s funds, he was able to revitalize their look. Yes, you guessed it! NEW JERSEYS! By implementing these methods or marketing, financing and communicating, Xavier raised the level of support and interest for the GMU Club Football team to new heights. Xavier was driven by a desire to make the university and those who love football proud and to not let them down.

During our conversation, Xavier expressed how the Club Sports Office really helped them market their team throughout the fall. According to Xavier, one event that really helped launch the success of Club Football was Rockin’ With Rec. It gave them the opportunity to speak with all the interested freshman and individuals that wanted to play. Club Sports also supported and promoted games, concepts for flyers, and fundraisers to help them reach their maximum potential.

I asked Xavier if he had anything he recommends for other leaders of student organizations, and here is what he had to say:

I would recommend setting goals for yourself to meet. It’s stressful at times when things don’t go the way you planned, but it’s better to try than not to try at all. Sometimes you will take a L or two, but for every L, you will bounce back and accomplish something. Failures can teach a lot as well. Failing allowed me to see what kind of person I was and how to fix it so it wouldn’t happen again next time. Having a good support system is also good. Doing things on your own can burn you out fast and also take the enjoyment out of anything you do. Having others that can help out goes a long way. It’s also good to not be the ‘leader’ all the time too. That way you can sit back and observe things from a different angle and acknowledge/trust others. It helps build a better bond between you and your teammates. So if anything I recommend three things 1) good communication, 2) perseverance and 3) knowing when to support while being the leader.”

When wrapping up our conversation, I asked Xavier what he has planned next, and he calmly told me that he is just trying to finish this semester strong and fully map out the fall football season ahead of time to lessen things on his plate. Truly a young man with a bright and promising future. Always looking beyond the game night lights and focusing on the next step.

Support them on Instagram and Twitter at GMUClubFootball and on Facebook at George Mason University Football.

 

By: Rashid White

Mason Club Sports: Post Competition Report Feb.10-12

Mason Club Sports

Post competition

Feb.10-12

 

Fencing: Fencing Club took their talents to Millersville University this past weekend. At the tournament, they competed in 3 rounds. In the first round Mason came out strong and defeated 6 out of the 7 schools. In the second round they defeated 3 out of the 7 schools, and in their third and final round they had zero wins. This was the first college tournament for three of Mason’s fencers.

 

Ice Hockey: The Ice Hockey team had three competitions this weekend. On Friday, they faced off against George Washington and scored an outstanding number of goals to beat them 7-4. Saturday pitted them against Delaware University in a close matchup, yet GMU persevered to win 3-2. Sunday brought another game against Delaware, but GMU’s confidence held up and carried them to a 4-2 win.

 

Men’s Club Lacrosse: The Men’s lacrosse team played George Washington University in a scrimmage on Sunday. Despite being vastly outnumbered by the GW roster, GMU kept the game close losing 5-7. Senior captain, Miles Herbst, opened up the scoring for the Patriots, battling through a triple team and sneaking it in stick side high, after going down 4-0. At the end of the first half, GMU was down 1-5. Miles scored again off an assist from Chris Kablonski, from zero angle hitting the far upper 90 side making it 2-5. Freshman Kablonski and sophomore Brandon Landers netted their first goals as Patriots. Miles would tally a hat trick before the end of regulation. Freshman Justin Lee, GMU’s only goalie, was recorded as having between 18-25 saves.

 

Running: The Running Club traveled to Penn State for the Happy Valley Invitational on Saturday. The highlight from the event was Jordan Shimer setting a personal record for the mile, completing it in 4:37:50.

 

Swimming: Mason Swim Club had 12 swimmers attend a meet at the University of Maryland. The women’s team placed 6th and the men’s team placed 5th. In addition, a few of the swimmers placed top five in their individual events. Swim Club will look forward to their next meet at JMU on February 25th.

 

Ski & Snowboard: Did not submit results.

 

Men’s Ultimate B: The Men’s Ultimate B team traveled to Towson, MD for the Towson Crouching Tiger Hidden Developmental Tournament. Mason Meltdown went 5-1 and placed second overall. A highlight for them was beating out Shenandoah University on universe point.

 

Men’s Club Volleyball: Men’s Club Volleyball competed at Liberty University this past weekend. The team had a tough weekend as they played ECU (1-2), James Madison (1-2), ECU (2-0), and Longwood (1-2). Going 1-3 on the weekend, the team hopes to bounce back for their next competition on February 25th at University of Virginia.

 

 

 

 

Valentine’s Day / Partner Exercise

Valentine’s Day is here again. Winter is in full force. You are faced with a problem and feeling conflicted. On one hand, you want to spend time with your significant other. On the other hand, you want to continue exercising through the cold winter month. You would love to go hiking with him/her or run around outside together, but the weather simply is not allowing that. What do you do?

I’LL TELL YOU WHAT YOU DO! You try out these 11 partner exercises! Get the best of both worlds. Exercising AND spending time with one of your favorite people!

  1.  Abs Workout Partner
    Nothing quite shows love and/or friendship like pushing your partner’s legs to the floor repeatedly. This is a great abdominal exercise for the person on the floor and a great trust exercise for both people. Just make sure you keep your legs straight as the person laying down.
  2. Situps with Medicine Ball
    Playing catch and working out! Do situps with your partner while throwing a medicine ball back and forth to one another. This exercise increases coordination, arm strength, and, of course, one’s core strength.
  3. Medicine Ball exercise 2
    Speed, speed, speed. That is the name of the game with this exercise. How many times can you and your partner move a medicine ball around each other in 30 seconds? In a minute? How long can you go at a consistent speed before stopping? Challenge each other to keep pushing and break your personal records.
  4. Pick eachother up
    “I pick things up and put them down.” This time, you are the thing! Grasp each other’s hand and alternate one person falling to the ground and one person picking the other up. It may seem silly, but this is a simple exercise that can be a lot of fun with the right person. Picking up another person uses a range of muscles and falling to the ground in a controlled manner without bringing the other person down is great for your core, balance, and trust.
  5. Group Dance
    “I wanna dance with somebody! I wanna feel the heat with somebody!” Whether it is with one person or a whole group of people, dancing is one of the best and most fun exercises out there. It does not matter how you dance as long as you are moving, grooving, and having fun. Turn on your favorite music, grab your partner, and dance the night away! Your heart and lungs will thank you later for the cardio workout.
  6. Human Wheelbarrow
    The human wheelbarrow is another silly yet fun way to exercise with your partner. As seen in the picture, one person places both hands on the floor while the other holds their legs by the ankles and you walk. When you can make it a race with another couple, it becomes a great and competitive game. The ‘wheelbarrow’ strengthens their shoulders and arms while the person holding the wheelbarrow will be working their back, legs, arms and shoulders. Not bad for an exercise used primarily as a game!
  7. Medicine Ball exercise
    This exercise is very similar to the third exercise on this list. Instead of going East and West with the medicine ball, you pass the ball North and South over your head and through your legs. See how fast you can work the ball around your bodies. This exercise is a little more difficult and may tire you out quicker, but it is a fun and beneficial exercise do to with your partner.
  8. Wall Squats Back to Back 3 Wall Squats Back to Back 2
    Another variation of the classic squat. Stand back-to-back with your partner, link your arms, and squat! This variation focuses even more on balance, your core, and proper form. If you lean back too far, you will push your partner down. If you don’t push back at all, you will get knocked down. Try going up and down for multiple reps, or use each other as a wall and challenge yourself to perform a wall squat for as long as possible.
  9.  Yoga Partner 1Yoga Partner 3
    Ooommmmm! Take a deep breath and meditate with your partner. Exercising the mind is just as important as exercising the body. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, there are plenty of moves and positions for you. Some of the positions pictured will challenge your physical abilities. Yoga is sometimes inaccurately seen as easy and boring, but it can be a great workout as well.
  10. Leap Frog
    Ribbit ribbit! The classic childhood game is being brought back just for you! Grab another couple and see who can leapfrog fastest, or just play with your partner and have some fun. It’s a simple game but sometimes simple is better.
  11. pushups situps combo
    Challenge each other! Take some common exercises and add a little twist. Have one person do pushups while holding the feet of the person doing situps. Alternate reps where one person doesn’t go until the other person is finished. Mix it up! You like being around each other, so have fun with these exercises!

 

Practice makes perfect with these exercises. You may even get a chance to put some of these exercises into practice and learn new ones at this year’s Be My Fit Valentine on February 11th! Be sure to register for the event by clicking on the link below so that you and your partner in crime can continue exercising together!

If you’re still unsure, check out the highlight video from one of our Be My Fit Valentine events here:

Hope to see you at the RAC!!

https://recreation.gmu.edu/fitness/v/

March Madness Bracket Challenge

Who Will Be This Year’s Cinderella?

1st Place Prize: Beats Pill+   *sponsored by Patriot Tech.

Register Online:  February 27 – March 16 @11AM

How to Register:

  1. Submit the registration form on IMLeagues via the link below.
    1. Register Here
  2. You will receive an email confirmation with instructions on how to submit your bracket on Selection Sunday (March 12)
  3. Last day to submit your bracket is Thursday, March 16 @11AM.
    1. Brackets will be submitted online using CBS Sports
    2. Email will be generated from CBS Sports

**Mason NCAA athletes are not eligible to collect prizes from the event.

Mason Club Sports: Post Competition Report Feb. 4-5

Mason Club Sports

Post competition

Feb.4-5

 

Crew Club: The Crew Club competed in the MidAtlantic Erg Sprints regatta in Alexandria on Saturday. They faced various Virginia based high schools and colleges and had successes in a number of events. Event results are listed below.

  • College Men’s 500m
    • Jose Martini-1st Place
    • Wyatt Rush- 3rd Place
    • Garrett Whitescarver- 4th place
  • College Coxswain Men’s 500m
    • Russel Heller- 1st Place
  • College Coxswain Women’s 500m
    • DJ Mendoza- 3rd Place
    • Emily Metz- 6th Place
  • College Men’s 2k
    • Josh Martini- 4th Place
  • College Freshman Men’s 2k
    • Justin Brunjes- 2nd Place
  • Mixed 5 minute Quad Slide
    • Justin Brunjes & Daniel lunongo- 2nd Place
  • College Men’s 5 minute Quad Slide
    • Sam Gallerano, Andrew Price, Chase Lattimore, David Lambrecht- 2nd Place

 

Ski & Snowboard: The Ski & Snowboard club travelled to Massanutten Mountain to compete with 12 other universities. Some highlights included Caroline Fudala placing 4th and 7th in her first Slopestyle competition. John Friedersdorf made it to the finals of the second competition, which is the top 20, and placed 11th in his second ever Slopestyle event. Other event results are listed below.

  • Men’s Slopestyle 1
    • John Friedersdorf- 16th with a score of 4.03
  • Men’s Slopestyle 2
    • John Friedersdorf- 11th with a score of 4.35
  • Women’s Ski Freestyle 1&2
    • Caroline Fudala- 4th and 7th with a score of 2.86 and 1.45
  • Women’s Ski Slalom
    • Caroline Fudala- 25th with a time of 1:49:70
  • Men’s Ski Giant Slalom
    • Tristan Shuler- 43rd with a time of 1:16:83

January is Healthy Weight Awareness Month

January is Healthy Weight Awareness Month which means it is time to get physical and physically active.  What a great time to get started with the introduction of the New Year!  Now is the perfect time to make that conscious effort to eat healthier and exercise more.  It is time to shed those extra pounds we have gained from the holiday season and build up those muscles!

We all know exercise is necessary for losing weight and making your body look and feel its best; however, there are also numerous healthy benefits to regularly exercising.  The U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps have identified some of these benefits.

  • Controlling your weight
  • Reduced risk of cardiovascular disease
  • Reduced risk of Type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndromewomenlift1
  • Reduced risk of some cancers
  • Strengthened bones and muscles
  • Improved mental health and mood
  • Increased chances of living longer

Being healthy, feeling good, and living longer all sound pretty good to me.  All this comes from a minimum of 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity a week!  That’s only 30 minutes a day during the work week.  30 minutes a day of walking briskly, cycling at a casual pace, or casually throwing a ball around or shooting hoops.  Don’t you want to take part in Healthy Weight Awareness Month so that you can have all those benefits above?

The beautiful thing is that at George Mason Recreation, we offer a variety of options that will help you fulfill that 30 minutes a day minimum, help you lose weight, and help you feel better and look better, too.  For those of you who want to get fit but need motivation or don’t know where to start, perhaps hiring a personal trainer would benefit you.  Maybe you like working out with others.  Then take part in numerous group classes offered at both the RAC and the AFC on the Fairfax campus.  If you’re the type of person that wants to workout without going to the gym, then going on trips with Outdoor Adventures may be the thing for you.  If you are experienced or ready to workout and go, then head on over to the RAC or one of our other facilities and prove that fithappens.

A healthy weight leads to a healthy mind leads to a healthy and happy life.  Be aware this month and this year of your weight and strive for that healthy weight of yours.  We will be there when you need us.

 

Winter Break Hours of Operation

Below are the Winter Break Holiday hours of operation for all facilities:

 

AFC:

The AFC will have the following altered facility hours during winter break (December 21-January 21):

  • Monday-Friday   6am-9pm
  • Saturday  8am-7pm
  • Sunday 9am-9pm
  • Facility will be closed on December 24, 25, 31 and January 1

*Pools will close 30 minutes prior to the facility.  Please see our aquatics page for altered pool hours.**

 

RAC:

The RAC will have the following altered facility hours during winter break (December 21-January 21):

  • Monday-Sunday  12pm-8pm
  • Facility will be closed on December 24, 25, 26, 31 and January 1

 

Skyline:

Skyline will close at 3pm on Tuesday, December 20th for winter break and will re-open at 3pm on Sunday, January 22nd