Sports science researchers and enthusiasts gather for the first RECESS Symposium

November 7, 2024November 7, 2024

katie gerbasik

As the early morning sun streamed into the lobby of the Maddlen Center, the Clemson Formula SAE (CUFSAE) team climbed into its Tiger 24 Formula 1 race car. Meanwhile, Clemson Athletics was installing a basketball hoop for the Clemson Adaptive Sports & Recreation program, which hosts wheelchair basketball competitions. 4-H representatives from the College of Agriculture, Forestry and Life Sciences brought saddles from the Equine Center to decorate the mini-golf hole. The break was about to begin.

The Robert H. Brooks Sports Science Institute (RHBSSI) is thrilled to host the First Year Sports Science Research and Creative Engagement (RECESS) Symposium for Clemson sports science enthusiasts on October 24, 2024 .

Upon arrival, guests entered the ballroom to watch live demonstrations of sports science, from hamstring rehabilitation equipment to motion-capture rowing and more.

Participants engaged with these technologies by participating and asking questions. Posters highlighting student and faculty research were also installed, encouraging guests to learn more about Clemson’s sports science research and creative efforts.

At the end of the evening, the institute’s interim director, Dr. John Desjardins, announced the winners of RHBSSI’s inaugural 2024 GRIT Awards. These are awarded to individuals who have made outstanding achievements in various areas of sport. The following winners received trophies and cash prizes of $500.

Community and Outreach in Sports Science — Dr. Ashlyn Hardy, Assistant Professor, School of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management Sports Science Research — Dr. Brandon Boatwright, Assistant Professor, School of Communication Student Engagement in Sport Science — Dr. Rikishi Smith-Ray, School of Communication Assistant Professor Friend of the Institute Award — Dr. Jason Avedesian, former Director of Sports Science, Olympic Sports Authority.

Undergraduate students who won the Institute’s Mark V. Bellamy Brooks Scholarship for the 2024-25 academic year also took to the stage to speak to guests about their Clemson experiences in sports marketing, sports communications, sports management and motorsports engineering. .

Participants participated in themed mini-golf competitions throughout the evening, sponsored by Clemson’s seven universities and their athletic programs. A team of sports communication faculty won the tournament and a gift basket sponsored by Clemson Athletics that included four tickets to the Clemson vs. Louisville football game. The team with the lowest score on each individual hole also won prizes provided by the university.

The Institute provides Clemson faculty, students, alumni, and others engaged in sports science and creative endeavors with recess and other opportunities to network, learn, and share opportunities in the field. Masu. To learn more ways you can collaborate with Clemson’s Robert H. Brooks Sports Science Institute, visit Clemson.edu/Brooks-Sports.

Photo courtesy of Natalie Bell, a student in the Department of Graphic Communication.