Beyond the Scoreboard with Curtis Atkinson: Where We’ve Been and Where We’re Going

The loud buzzing of a shot clock, banner-lined ceilings, and roaring crowds—this is the image in our heads when thinking about varsity athletics. Though my exchange with Curtis Atkinson, TRU’s very own Director of Athletics and Recreation, went far deeper than game day excitement. Curtis dove into the heart of TRU athletics and expressed just how deep the love of the game goes.

Atkinson explained to me what sets TRU apart, not just in the way we support our athletes, but also from a competition standpoint. He shared how his department supports athletes both on and off the courts and how the university academically supports everyone. From the court to the classroom, Curtis made it very clear the WolfPack membership doesn’t end at the buzzer.

Our conversation did get emotional; we spoke briefly on the passing of a TRU student-athlete. Curtis talked fondly and proudly and expressed a heartfelt thanks to the TRU community. It is a heart-wrenching reminder that yes, the sport is there; it is happening, but this team is about so much more: a sense of belonging, a family away from home, lifelong bonds.

You don’t need to be an athlete to tune in to this episode. Listen in and get an understanding of how easy it is for TRU students to participate in FREE campus recreation classes such as yoga, zumba, and intermural sports!

Plug in to this conversation and get a whole new perspective on TRU athletics and recreation

CITATIONS (audios)

GamingSoundEffects (2015) YouTube. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iWO3f9GpOSo (Accessed: 08 March 2025). 

Ikoliks (2020) One Last Breath Song by IkoliksArtlist. Available at: https://artlist.io/royalty-free-music/song/one-last-breath/41673 (Accessed: 08 March 2025). 

Snail Music (no date) YouTube. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eXFlkEW3GQ0 (Accessed: 08 March 2025). 

The everlasting importance of Mental Health from a student perspective

Hello and welcome back to T is for Teamwork at TRU! Today, I am releasing the audio podcast with Grace Grantham.Grace Grantham is a second year criminology student here at TRU. She is looking to work in law enforcement with her degree. Grace is a wonderful person who makes interviewing extremely easy. Grace and I spoke about the importance of mental health and how she deals with it in her day-to-day life! This is from a student perspective which allows for open and honest transparency as sometimes it can be hard to have someone to talk to, or talk about mental health in a way that makes sense to you! Sometimes when talking about mental health, it can be highly intimidating and nerve-wracking. Mental Health is a large topic that is highly important. Mental health is one of the fundamental pillars of health and wellness. Without taking care of your mind, you cannot take care of your body. This can lead to damage to yourself and your esteem, which can lead to negative effects. Mental health is just as important as physical health as they go hand in hand. Physical health matters. Mental health matters.