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Mechanical engineering senior Pablo Luna attempts to hit a ball during Oozeball on Sept. 19, 2025, on the corner of Summit Avenue and Greek Row Drive.\u00a0<\/p>\n
File photo \/ Elvis Martinez-Cartagena<\/a><\/p>\n UTA\u2019s Campus Recreation is a cornerstone to helping students\u2019 mental and physical wellness and plays a pivotal role in campus spirit and traditions.<\/p>\n With most of its operations at the Maverick Activities Center, the on-campus departments\u2019 main service to students, faculty and staff is providing recreational and leisure opportunities. The department provides access and support to help ensure student success, said Chris Muller, associate director of Campus Recreation.<\/p>\n But the department is more than just the MAC; it builds the foundation of UTA\u2019s community. It\u2019s the heart of programs, events, clubs, intramural sports, campus spirit groups and some of UTA\u2019s oldest traditions, such as Oozeball and Bed Races.<\/p>\n Muller, who has been with UTA for 27 years, said the programs the department has run are important and have positively impacted students. He said UTA\u2019s long-standing traditions and events help bind the community together across generations.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019ve done studies before that students that come to the MAC have a higher grade point average than students that don\u2019t,\u201d Muller said. \u201cWe really do believe that a strong body equates to a strong mind, and that equates to academic performance as well.\u201d<\/p>\n The department also has many collaborations to promote student wellness and involvement on campus, a few being with EXCEL Campus Activities and Counseling and Psychological Services. Over the years, they have worked on events such as Maverick Stampede, RecFest and Homecoming week with the annual Homecoming 5K, a golf tournament and the chili cook-off, Muller said.<\/p>\n Sineyda Ortiz, assistant director of fitness, said there are multiple ways for students to engage with free programs while promoting a healthy mindset and lifestyle.<\/p>\n Some of the most frequently used programs are Food for Thought, a class presented by a registered dietician, Mindful Moments Under the Stars at the UTA Planetarium, where students can de-stress and Fresh Check Day, an event that allows students to pause and check in on their overall health every semester.<\/p>\n Information systems senior Jasmine Phor, left, and business analytics senior Shaylan Patel push the bed during Bed Races on March 25 at Maverick Stadium.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
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