Stephen F. Austin State University

When the city of Nacogdoches announced the first-ever “Corporate Challenge” scheduled for April 14-28, SFA faculty and staff members were among the first to express an interest in the event.

Corporate Challenge offers “friendly athletic competition among companies who value enhancing their employees’ quality of life,” according to materials provided at a recent informational luncheon. “An active workforce reduces absenteeism and health claims while increasing camaraderie, health awareness and job performance. Besides, it’s fun!”

Corporate Challenge was introduced in Nacogdoches by Tracy Rucker, the city’s recreation supervisor, and Anthony Key, athletic supervisor, who both recently returned to SFA as students.

“We decided to do this after we found out it is a standard event in larger cities that is facilitated by the parks and recreation department,” Rucker said. “”I wanted to start one here, on a smaller scale, that would be just as effective.”

Rucker said it’s a “win-win” situation for employees and employers.

“When you participate in events outside of work with your co-workers, so many good things come of it,” he said. “Camaraderie, team-work and bonding adds to the fun. When you know you’re getting ready to compete in an event, you get excited just thinking about it. We want to see a large number of businesses, large and small, participating. That, to me, says we’re a healthy, happy community.”

Brian Mills, intramural and sport club coordinator for the SFA campus recreation department said many groups on campus will want to participate in this event.

“It’s a great idea,” he said. “We try to teach students that recreation is a huge part of life. It can get pushed to the back burner after they graduate, as their jobs require more time and their families grow. But recreation is a huge factor in a healthy lifestyle down the road.”

Mills said activities that employees can share outside of work help to build bonds — and he said he hopes to see academic departments as actively involved in the events as other university departments who already compete in athletic events together.

“The physical plant will likely put together a softball team,” he said. “They have a very good team that plays in the city league. We totally support what the city is doing, and we’d love to be more involved with this event in the future.”

Mills said the university has offered athletic facilities for the event, if the city needs them to accommodate the teams.

Juanita Finkenberg, coordinator of the campus wellness connection, said people are competitive by nature.

“Whether it’s in a group or individual setting, people have a need to better themselves and reach their goals,” she said. She likened Corporate Challenge to SFA’s “Walk Across Texas” that is currently underway.

“We have 16 teams of eight who are logging their miles over an eight-week period,” she said. “We’ve been so pleased with the participation and the spirit of competition.”

Finkenberg said now is a good time for the city to introduce the Corporate Challenge.

Health issues are at the forefront of media attention, she said.

“People are realizing there is an epidemic, and they’re trying to make healthy changes for themselves and their families,” she said. “We lead such sedentary lifestyles, and we would all be better off to find more ways to incorporate physical activities into our lifestyles.”

Finkenberg said those who weren’t athletes in high school or college need not worry.

“Most of the people who participate in our events on campus were just average athletes in high school,” she said. “The last time some of them competed in any type of event, was in their PE class. But when you have support of others, and a buddy involved with you, you are more likely to be successful.”

Charlie Hueber, assistant director of student activities, said a group of faculty and staff regularly gets together for noon basketball games.

“We’d like to see them sign up for Corporate Challenge,” he said. “Those who are interested in playing on a team to contact the recreation department.”

The eight events included in Corporate Challenge are softball, basketball, bowling, golf, volleyball, table tennis, washers and dodge ball.

Forms and entry fees must be completed and returned by 5 p.m. Saturday, March 31, to the C.L. Simon Recreation Center. A company may choose to participate in selected events only, or may participate in all eight events.

Divisions include companies with 201 employees or more, and companies with one employee or more (up to 200).

Trophies are awarded for first through third places, and event trophies are awarded for first place and runner-up.

For a complete list of rules and eligibility requirements, contact Rucker at 559-2936 or Key at 559-2940.