Sports science researchers, enthusiasts gather at the first annual RECESS Symposium

November 7, 2024November 7, 2024

By Katie Gerbasic

The Clemson Formula SAE (CUFSAE) team was rolling in it Tiger 24 Formula 1 racing car as the early morning sun shone through the lobby of the Madren Center. Meanwhile, Clemson Athletics was creating a basketball net for the Clemson Adaptive Sports and Recreation program to host a wheelchair basketball competition. College of Agriculture, Forestry and Life Sciences 4-H representatives brought saddles from the Horse Center to decorate their mini-golf hole. RECESS was about to begin.

The Robert H. Brooks Sports Science Institute (RHBSSI) was excited to host the first Research and Creative Endeavors in Sports Science Symposium (RECESS) 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 rowing and more.

Participants engaged with these technologies through participation and questions. Posters showcasing student and faculty research were also placed, encouraging guests to learn more about Clemson’s sports science research and creative endeavors.

At the end of the night, John DesJardins, Ph.D., interim director of the Institute, announced the recipients of RHBSSI’s inaugural 2024 GRIT awards. These were awarded to individuals who have distinguished themselves in various fields of sports. A trophy and $500 were awarded to the following winners:

• Community and Outreach in Sport Sciences – Ashlyn Hardie, Ph,D., Assistant Professor in the Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management
• Sports Science Research – Brandon Boatwright, Ph.D., assistant professor in the Department of Communication
• Student Engagement in Sports Science – Rikishi Smith-Rey, Ph.D., Assistant Professor in the Department of Communication
• Friend of the Institute Award – Jason Avedesian, Ph.D., former director of sports science in the Department of Olympic Sports.

Undergraduate students awarded the Institute’s Mark V. Bellamy Brooks Scholarships for the 2024-25 academic year also took the stage and spoke to guests about their Clemson experiences in sports marketing, sports communication, sports management and engineering of motor sports.

Attendees engaged in an all-evening mini-golf tournament sponsored and themed by the seven Clemson colleges and their respective athletic programs. A team of sports communication faculty members won the tournament by winning a gift basket sponsored by Clemson Athletics which included four tickets to the Clemson vs. Louisville football game. Teams that scored lowest on individual holes also won prizes provided by the colleges.

The Institute offers opportunities such as RECESS for Clemson faculty, staff, students, alumni and others engaged in sports science and creative endeavors to network, learn and share opportunities in their field. Visit Clemson.edu/Brooks-Sports to learn about other ways you can engage with Clemson’s Robert H. Brooks Sports Science Institute.

Photos provided by Natalie Bell, student in the Department of Graphic Communications.