History

Ohio State has a proud history of being the first university in the nation to establish a Department of Intramural Sports and today the Department of Recreational Sports embarks on preserving traditions and creating an exciting future.

History Timeline

• 1879 -  Reports of the first informal outdoor sports activity on campus: baseball
• 1913 – The Department of Competitive and Recreational Athletics was created.  L.W. St. John is appointed Director of Athletics, Dr. John Wilce is appointed Coach of Football and Intramural Athletics. He organized the first extensive program of recreational athletics and a winning football team.
• 1914 – January 9 – The Department of Intramural Sports is officially up and running as the first in the nation with intramural soccer, football, track, and cross country offered.
• 1931 – Dedication of Men’s Gymnasium and Natatorium.  Mike Peppe is coach of the varsity swim team for 33 years and captures 33 championships.
• 1937 – Leo Staley appointed head of the intramural program.  21 sports/activities for men with 10,000 participants, 14 sports for women with over 1,000 participants.
• 1940 – The Athletic Department and Intramural Department are separated.
• 1947 – L.W. St. John retires as Athletic Director.  Richard Larkins is appointed.
• 1962 – Fred Beekman is named Director of Recreation and Intramural Sports, taking over for Leo Staley who served for 25 years.
• 1970 – Richard Larkins retires as Athletic Director after 23 years.   Ed Weaver takes over.
• 1976 – Jesse Owens North, South, and West Recreation Centers are dedicated. 
• 1977 – Larkins Hall is dedicated, including the Mike Peppe Aquatic Center and Benedum Recreation Center. The total project (including the rec centers) costs around $10 million.  
• 1994 – Fred Beekman retires after 32 years as Director.  J. Michael Dunn is named Director.
• 1999 – Lane Avenue Park dedicated. Later re-named Fred Beekman Park.
• 2003 – Groundbreaking for the new $154 million project to replace Larkins Hall. Phase I to be completed in 2005.  Phase II to be completed in 2007. Lincoln Tower Turf Field open for use by recreational sports and Ohio State University Marching Band.  
• September 20, 2004 - Opening of the Outdoor Adventure Center and Tom W. Davis Climbing Center.
• January 3, 2005 - Opening of the entire Adventure Recreation Center (ARC) on West Campus.
• August 29, 2005 - Opening of the Recreation and Physical Activity Center (RPAC).
• August 19, 2005 - Demolition of Larkins Hall begins.
• September 21, 2005 - Opening of the RPAC Aquatic Center and Courtside Cafe.
• January 12, 2007 - Opening of Phase II at the RPAC.