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The RecWell Wire

Emerald Ash Borer Triggers Tree Campaign

Golf, Youth and Family

A special tree restoration campaign is currently underway to replace trees killed by the emerald ash borer. These little, green hungry beetles found their way on to campus effectively girdling hundreds of trees and causing death. One of the hardest hit areas on campus is at the Forrest Creason Golf Course.

View of the tree destruction

Named the ReForest Forrest Creason Golf Course Campaign, this project is inspired by devoted members of the Forrest Creason Golf Course who witnessed the destruction of 167 trees between 2007 and 2009. Contributors can easily donate to this vital campaign. A gift of $250 provides an opportunity to select a specific tree from the Forrest Creason Golf Course Master Tree Plan and designate the gift in honor or in memory of a special person. Any gift amount by check, cash or pledge goes a long way toward purchasing a tree.

“All the money contributed through the ReForest Forrest Creason Golf Course Campaign is designated to the tree replacement initiative,” said Kurt Thomas, director of the Forrest Creason Golf Course. “Many people are interested in playing at Forrest Creason this year. After golfers play a round, I am hopeful they support the tree campaign.”

The Forrest Creason Golf Course has been a part of BGSU since its creation at the direction of Dr. Samuel Cooper, a former BGSU coach and professor of physical education. “Ken Schoeni, former supervisor of maintenance and grounds in athletics and co-architect of the golf course, was instrumental in transforming the farmland into a nine-hole golf course in 1964 and then completing the back nine in 1972,” said Thomas. “He was the driving force into getting it done.”

Minor changes have been made to the golf course since its inception. Sand traps have been added or taken out. There were tee box repairs and replacement of a few trees from inclement weather. “Soon to open at the 13th hole is a tee shot that is 100 percent over the water, instead of alongside it,” said Thomas. “Small cosmetic updates are made to the course to make it a little bit tougher.”

The vision of Forrest Creason Golf Course is to be the best public golf course in the area.  Maintaining the course is vital in keeping the grounds in excellent condition. “The staff is constantly trying to improve the golf course by making it better and a more enjoyable experience for everyone,” Thomas said.  Replacing the 167 trees may take up to five years, although Thomas hopes the tree planting process is a little quicker. Thomas consults with tree expert Kent Reichert on the types of species and varieties of trees that would not be harmed by the emerald ash borer. Last fall 32 trees were planted from limited operating money and plans are to continue replacing trees every fall until all the trees are replaced. The Campaign’s success is critical in making the tree replacement a reality.

The ReForest Forrest Creason Golf Course Campaign tri-leaders are Thomas, assistant director of marketing at Recreation and Wellness Lona Leck and assistant golf course director Lindy Powers. They are available to discuss the campaign and answer any questions. Please find gift forms and details about the campaign at www.bgsu.edu/recwell/golf or contact the Forrest Creason Golf Course at 419-372-2674. Supporting the Reforest Forrest Creason Golf Course Campaign with a tree purchase enhances the aesthetic appearance and provides a more challenging golf experience to the game.  Make a gift today!

2011 Summer Kids Camp – Activities Galore!

Aquatics, Blogroll, Student Recreation Center, Wellness Connection, Youth and Family

Summer vacation is almost here, but kids don’t throw those backpacks in the closet that carried books back and forth to school just yet.  On June 6, Summer Kids Camp begins and the backpacks transform into camper backpacks carrying swimsuits, sunscreen, water bottles and lunchboxes.  The eight-week Summer Kids Camp ends July 29.

The 2011 Summer Kids Camp continues its outstanding programming established from years of leadership experience and success. Kids Camp for kids, ages 5-12, emphasizes physical development and education while promoting a healthy lifestyle. Some children return to camp every year and make new friends.  They have new learning experiences while having a lot of fun.  These campers can participate in activities that are not available at home or at other camps. “We do lots and lots of fun activities with the children that they cannot get at a daycare,” said Micha Alt, who has directed Kids Camp since 2006.  “We rock climb, ice skate, go swimming every day and include wellness and fitness components.”  Other physical activities in which the campers partake include golf, volleyball, basketball, badminton and track and field.  Kids Camp has great resources at Recreation and Wellness facilities including the Perry Field House, BGSU Ice Arena and Forrest Creason Golf Course to participate in their activities. The campers also go on walking field trips to the Sebo Center or other places of interest on campus.

Asked about her favorite part of Kids Camp, Alt said, “There are so many wonderful aspects of Kids Camp I really can’t pick one.” However, one particular activity Alt does enjoy is the scavenger hunts that are especially popular with the children. “The excitement of the children is enjoyable to watch,” Alt said.  Every week Kids Camp has a witty theme in place: Falcon Frenzy, Into the Wild, Wacky Wonderland, Underwater Adventures, Mad Science, The Places We will Go, Around the World and BG’s Got Talent.

Children who attend Kids Camp are in good hands.  The camp is administered by Recreation and Wellness professionals and BGSU graduate and undergraduate students with special training in safety, human relations and interpersonal skills with children. The dedicated camp staff is First Aid and CPR certified for the Professional Rescuer with AED and passed the mandatory background screenings.

Full-time camp costs $119/week and part-time camp is $79/week, with 10 percent discount applied to BGSU employees or families with more than one child’s registration. Register at www.bgsu.edu/recwell and click on Community, Youth & Family on the left menu, by E-mail at kidscamps@bgsu.edu or in person at the Student Recreation Center front desk. For more information, contact Camp Director Micha Alt at 419-372-7482 or 419-372-2000. Sign up the kids today for a fun summer camp at BGSU!

Stars on the Ice – Dancing Duo

Ice Arena

Over the past weeks, we have explored the hockey greats that have graced the ice at Bowling Green State University.  These hockey legends are not the only prominent names to have roots here in bowling green, no there are others.  In order to find these individuals, we must look to another sport, the sport of Figure Skating.

Scott Hamilton is pretty much a household name when it comes to figure skating but did you know he was raised here in Bowling Green Ohio and skated at the BGSU Ice Arena for many years?   At the age of 13 Scott began training with Olympic coach Pierre Brunet however he was almost forced to quite in 1976 due to the high cost of training.  He was encouraged to keep training through financial assistance from Helen and Frank McLoraine.

Alissa Czisny began skating at the age of 1 ½ here at BGSU’s Ice Arena and quickly showed that she had a gift on the ice.  Her and her sister Amber created quite a tandem on the ice over the next years as they competed throughout the country at different competitions.  In 2010, Alissa was ranked #1 in the world for the ISU Grand Prix season.

Now let’s take a look at their impressive resumes;

Scott Hamilton

  • 4 consecutive U.S. Championships (1981-1984)
  • 4 Consecutive World Championships (1981-1984)
  • Gold Medal – 1984 Olympics
  • Inducted into the United States Olympic Hall of Fame – 1990

 

Alissa Czisny

  • 2010-2011 Gran Prix Final Champion
  • 2 time U.S. National Champion (2009,2011)
  • 2007 Bronze Medalist
  • 2 time Skate Canada Champion (2005,2010)
  • Ranked 11th in the World by the International Skating Union

 

Stars on the Ice – Miracle Men

Ice Arena

Ken Morrow and Mark Wells skated for the Falcons in the mid to late 1970’s and both experienced success during their time at BG. Their true moment came in 1980, during the Winter Olympic Games in Lake Placid, New York. For those who know hockey lore, you already know about what 1980 meant to the hockey world. For those who are unfamiliar, this was one of the biggest moments in sports history.

The cold war was in full speed during 1980 and the Soviet hockey team had been dominating the world for years. The soviets were the best team on the planet and were almost impossible to beat. During their run, from 1954 to 1991 the Soviets won gold medals at 7 out of 9 Olympic games and got 4 bronze medals, 7 silver medals and 19 gold medals out of 31 World Championships (they medaled in 31 out of 32 championships with the 1 coming in 1962 when they did not participate). In conclusion, they were GOOD!

There is a saying; “the bigger they are, the harder they fall” and having the 1980 games on American soil gave the U.S. a chance to make the Soviets fall and fall hard.

To the players, it was only a hockey game at first. To the world, it was a showdown of super-powers and world supremacy. The Soviet Union vs. The United States, Professionals vs. College Kids.

Ken Morrow played for BGSU Falcons and was a standout defenseman during his time. He won CCHA First All Star Honors in 1976, 1978, 1979 and was Second All Star in 1977. He was also named the CCHA Player of the Year in 1979. He was drafted in 1976 by the New York Islanders of the NHL, and was chosen to represent his country in 1980 at the Winter Olympics.

Mark Wells attended BGSU from 1975-1979 where he was a strong forward for the Falcons. He won CCHA All Star First Team Honors in 1976-77 and 1978-79 and was drafted by the Montreal Canadiens in 1977. After his time with BGSU, he joined the U.S. National team for their Olympic Games in 1980.

These two young men joined 19 other college kids from across the country to take part in the biggest upset in sports history. The “Miracle on Ice” as it has been called occurred on Friday February 22, 1980 and saw the United States defeat the Soviet Union by a score of 4-3, to advance on to the gold medal game. They then went on to beat Finland to complete the “miracle” and win the gold.

Ken Morrow went on to play for the New York Islanders and won the Stanley Cup with them in 1980, becoming the first player to win a gold medal and a Stanley cup in the same year. He finished his career with 550 NHL games and 4 Stanley Cups, all with the Islanders. He currently serves as the Islander’s Director of Pro Scouting.

Mark Wells did not experience the same success as Ken Morrow, and retired in 1982 never playing a single NHL game. Due to medical issues, he sold his gold medal on November 6, 2010 for $310,700.

These two men helped make hockey history when they were young college kids, and they began their careers here at BGSU.

 

Stars on the Ice – George McPhee

Ice Arena

George McPhee aka “The Undertaker” (named for his play after the whistle) has led a very successful career in hockey that has its roots right here at Bowling Green State University. McPhee is the current General Manager of the Washington Capitals, as well as the team’s alternate governor and vice-president.

McPhee spent four very successful years playing for the Falcons from 1978-1982 suiting up for a total of 153 games. During those 153 games, McPhee scored 114 goals and added 153 assists for a total of 267 points. McPhee’s best season came in his freshman year with the Falcons where he put up 40 goals and added 48 assists in 43 games. His totals slumped during his sophomore and junior years but his senior year saw him reach a career high in assists (52) and end up 8 points shy of his career best.
During his time at BGSU, McPhee was the recipient of numerous awards for his play on the ice. In 1979 he was named the CCHA’s Rookie of the year and was also named to the Second-Team All-CCHA, an award he would receive again in 1981. 1982 was by far the best for McPhee as he was named to the First-Team All-CCHA and was the recipient of the Hobey Baker Award. The Hobey Baker Award is comparable to the Heismann Trophy for collegiate football players, as it is awarded to the best collegiate hockey player in the country.

After BGSU and his career with the Falcons, McPhee went on to enjoy a seven year career in the NHL with the New Jersey Devils and New York Rangers.

McPhee reached his current position with the Washington Capitals in 1997 after working with the Vancouver Canucks since 1992. Under George McPhee, the Washington Capitals have won five Southeast Division Championships, had six 40 or more win seasons and a franchise record 121point season in 2009-2010. However through all of this success, the team is still in its search for a Stanley Cup and they have been unable to advance past the second round of the playoffs.

Many hockey experts believe that it is only a matter of time before the Washington Capitals win that elusive Stanley Cup and of course it doesn’t hurt having Alexander Ovechkin on your team, who is one of, if not, the best hockey player in the world.

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