Sport Studies, Recreation and Athletics
Director: Kim Chandler
Jennifer Blomme
Jose Cedeño
Heidi Colford
John Eckel
Michelle Ferenz
John Hein
Matthew Helm
Brian Kitamura
John Lamanna
Skip Molitor
Jeff Northam
Scott Shields
Michelle Voiland
Adjunct Instructors:
Jocelyn Awe
Stuart Chapin
Laura Cummings
Allison Keppel
Kelli Pitzer
Alicia Gutierrez
Brien Sheedy
Rebecca Thorpe
The department of sport studies, recreation and athletics has the following functions: 1) to provide opportunity for all
students to secure instruction and formal practice in a variety of recreational and physical education activities; 2) to conduct
a program of intercollegiate athletics for both men and women; 3) to schedule and facilitate open recreation, intramurals,
and club sports for the entire campus community; and 4) to, as opportunity permits, offer lecture and applied coursework in
sport studies, recreation and athletics.
Activity Courses
The following courses are designed to provide the student with knowledge, guidance, and practice in a wide variety of
sport and recreational activities. A maximum of eight activity course credits will be allowed toward the graduation
requirement. All activity courses are graded credit/no credit. Intercollegiate athletic courses may be repeated for credit;
other activity courses may not be repeated for credit. Special fees will be assessed in some courses. “F” indicates the
course is offered for the fall semester and “S” the spring semester. Activity courses are one credit unless otherwise noted.
Individual Fitness Activities
100 Introduction to Fitness ............................... S
101 Beginning Aerobic Conditioning ............. F,S
102 Jogging ................................................... F,S
103 Sport Yoga .............................................. F,S
104 Beginning Yoga ...................................... F,S
105 Beginning Speed and Agility Training ...... F
106 Radiant Body Yoga:Vinyasa & Kundalini F,S
123 Pilates ..................................................... F,S
125 Walk-Fit (instructor consent required) ... F,S
171 Introduction to Fitness .............................. x,x
201 Intermediate Total Body Conditioning .... x,x
202 Intermediate Weight Training ..................... S
204 Intermediate Yoga....................................... S
205 Advanced Speed and Agility Training ........ F
Outdoor Skills Activities
119 Beginning Mountain Biking (Fee: $120)….S
127 Beginning Fly Fishing (Fee: $75) ........... x,x
137 Beginning Indoor Rock Climbing
(Fee: $175 - no trip required) ................ F,S
138 Rock Climbing (Fee:
$225 - trip required) ...................................x
140 Beginning Whitewater Kayaking
(Fee: $235) .............................................. F,S
141 Beginning Flat-Water Kayaking
(Fee: $235)……………………………..…S
237 Intermediate Indoor Rock Climbing
(Fee: $175 - no trip required) ................ F,S
238 Intermediate Rock Climbing
(Fee: $225 - trip required) ...................... x,x
250 Intermediate Kayaking (Fee: $235) ........... x
Individual Sports
117 Beginning Golf (Fee: $100) .................... F,S
121 Triathlon Sports.......................................... x
217 Intermediate Golf (Fee: $100) ................... S
Dual Activities
110 Beginning Tennis .................................... F,S
111 Beginning Racquetball ............................... x
131 Badminton ............................................... x,x
210 Intermediate Tennis ................................. x,x
211 Intermediate Racquetball ............................ x
Winter Sports
*112 Beginning Skiing (Fee: $475) .................. S
*114 Beginning Snowboarding (Fee: $475) ..... S
*212 Intermediate Skiing (Fee: $475) ............... S
*214 Intermediate Snowboarding (Fee: $475) .. S
*312 Advanced Skiing (Fee: $475) ................... S
*314 Advanced Snowboarding (Fee: $475) ….... S
*Equipment Rental at Ski Bluewood not included
Aquatics
130 Swimming .................................................. F
230 Advanced Swimming & Conditioning ........ S
Team Sports
108 Beginning Basketball .................................. x
136 Beginning Sand Volleyball ......................... F
236 Intermediate Sand Volleyball ...................... S
150 Soccer ..................................................... F, S
151 Beginning Volleyball .............................. …x
251 Intermediate Volleyball ................................x
Intercollegiate Sports (for varsity athletes only)
252 Intercollegiate Cross Country ..................... F
253 Intercollegiate Soccer (men) ...................... F
254 Intercollegiate Soccer (women) .................. F
255 Intercollegiate Volleyball ........................... F
256 Intercollegiate Swimming .......................... S
257 Intercollegiate Baseball ............................... S
258 Intercollegiate Basketball (men) ................ S
259 Intercollegiate Basketball (women) ........... S
260 Intercollegiate Golf (men) ........................... S
261 Intercollegiate Golf (women) ..................... S
262 Intercollegiate Track ................................... S
263 Intercollegiate Tennis (women) ................. S
264 Intercollegiate Tennis (men) ...................... S
266 Intercollegiate Lacrosse(women) ............... S
142 Beginning Camping Skills
Not offered 2023-24 1 credit
An introductory course for students interested in learning more about camping. The basic skills of what to bring,
selecting a camping spot, setting up camp, knot tying, backcountry cooking, treating water, fire building, map
reading, basic gear repair and "Leave No Trace" practices will be included. In addition to regular weekly meetings
there will be a weekend trip included. Fee: $150.
152 Introduction to Olympic Weightlifting
Not offered 2023-24 1 credit
A brief introduction to the two Olympic lifts: the clean & jerk and the snatch. Course will also cover all variations
of the two lifts including hang and power positions, squats, and pulls. A basic familiarization with the two lifts is
highly recommended before starting this course. Prerequisite: SSRA 100.
208-209 Special Topics in Sports Studies, Recreation and Athletics
1-4 credits
Courses in special topics areas within SSRA. Any current offerings follow.
226 Glacier Mountaineering
Not offered 2023-24 2 credits
The goal of this course is to learn the basics of glacier travel and mountaineering so that the participant becomes a
competent group member capable of participating in trips with other skilled individuals. Some of the skills that will
be covered include: knots and rope handling, belaying, protection placement and anchor building, hazard evaluation,
ice axe use, self arrest, technical snow and ice climbing, crampon use, snow and ice anchors, fourth class climbing
techniques, peak ascents, roped glacier travel, crevasse rescue, fixed line ascension & snow camping techniques.
The primary class requirement is participation in the class weekend trips. This course is limited to 9 students for risk
management and permitting reasons. Offered every other year. Prerequisite: SSRA 137, 138, 237, 238, 248, or 338
or consent of instructor. Fee: $600, includes 3 full weekend trips.
240 Wilderness First Aid
Spring Sheedy 1 credit
Prepare for the unexpected with this engaging, hands-on introduction to wilderness medicine, taught over two or two
and a half days. If you like to take short trips relatively close to medical resources, work at wilderness camps, enjoy
weekend family outdoor activities, or recreate outdoors, this course is for you. This course is great for people of all
experience levels, and is best suited for those who recreate outdoors where EMS response can be expected in a
timely manner (fewer than eight hours). You'll learn the Patient Assessment System, how to provide effective first
aid treatments for injuries and illnesses common in the outdoors, and how to make appropriate evacuation decisions.
You'll learn both in the classroom and in outdoor settings regardless of weather, so come prepared for wet, muddy,
cold or hot environments! You will receive a Wilderness First Aid Certification from the National Outdoor
Leadership School (NOLS) upon successful completion of this course. Graded credit/no credit. February 17-19,
2024. Fee: Whitman Student $300; Community member $400.
242 Wilderness First Responder
Spring Sheedy 2 credits
This Wilderness First Responder course is a nationally recognized course that trains participants to respond to
emergencies in remote settings. The 80-hour curriculum includes standards for urban and extended care situations.
Special topics include
but are not limited to wound management and infection, realigning fractures and dislocations, improvised splinting
techniques, patient monitoring and long-term management problems, plus up-to-date information on all
environmental emergencies along with advice on drug therapies. Emphasis is placed on prevention and decision
making, not the memorization of lists. Upon successful completion of practical and written exams a two-year WMI
of NOLS Wilderness First Responder certification and a two-year Adult Heartsaver CPR certification will be issued.
Graded credit/no credit. Sections A: Jan. 5-Jan. 14, 2024; Section B: March 9-March 18, 2024. Fee: Whitman
Student $775; Community member $875.
244 Swift Water Rescue
Not offered 2023-24 1 credit
The course is intended for guides, recreational kayakers and rafters and other river professionals. This course will
combine skills from Lifeguard training, kayak instructor training, raft guide training and skills outlined by the ACA
(American Canoe Association) and NOLS (National Outdoor Leadership school). The goal is to foster increased
safety through the development of skills, knowledge and experience. This course will create a theoretical and
practical experience that will enable boaters to be better prepared and equipped as a rescuer in the swift water
environment. Classroom sessions will be complemented by practical “on water” exercises. The course will focus on
throw ropes, safety vests, foot entrapment/ vertical pin scenarios, knots, anchors, mechanical advantage systems (i.e.
z-drags and pig rigs), the reach system, as well as wading rescues, boat based rescue (kayak/raft), and other related
theories and ideas. Graded credit/no credit. Fee: $350.
248 Climbing Wall Instructor
Fall, Spring Sheedy 1 credit
This course provides instructors and potential instructors with an in-depth and standardized understanding of the
skills essential to teaching climbing in an indoor setting. It is the first step in a sequential approach to professional
climbing instructor development. The course reinforces the importance of teaching technically accurate information
and debunks many common climbing myths. The course emphasizes the presentation of sound fundamental skills to
climbing gym participants, the use of deliberate and effective instructional methods, the formation of risk
assessment and risk management skills and basic problem-solving skills such as belay transitions and on-wall
coaching and assist techniques. Participants will be assessed on both their core knowledge and their ability to
effectively teach and coach related skills. Consent from the instructor required. Graded credit/no credit. Fee: $225.
265 Climbing Movement and Technique
Fall, Spring Sheedy 1 credit
This course is intended for current climbers interested in improving their movement skills and technique. This
course will have a heavy bouldering and movement emphasis but will do some roped climbing as well.
Attention will be given to both footwork and hand and arm techniques. Advanced movement skills such as
crack climbing, off width technique, knee bars, drop knee, flagging, monkey hangs, and much, much more
will be covered along with taping and injury prevention techniques. Graded credit/no credit. Prerequisite:
SSRA 137, 138, 237, 238, or 248, or instructor consent. Fee: $175.
267 Route Setting for Climbing
Fall, Spring Sheedy 1 credit
This course is intended for climbers interested in learning how to do effective route setting. There is a lot to good
route setting and this course will cover risk management and safety concerns with route setting along with artistic
elements. This course will have a heavy bouldering route setting emphasis but will cover how to do vertical route
setting as well. Attention will be given to route setting so as to reduce the likelihood of athletic injuries and overuse
injuries. Hold types, frequency and locations for holds to reduce and prevent certain common overuse or athletic
climbing injuries with be covered. Graded credit/no credit. Fee: $75.
268 Traditional Climbing
Not offered 2023-24 1 credit
Traditional (or trad) climbing, is a style of rock climbing in which a climber or group of climbers place all gear
required to protect against falls, and remove it when a pitch is complete. This course is intended to teach students
how to place trad gear, build trad anchors and lead climb while placing that gear. Graded credit/no credit.
Prerequisites: SSRA 237 or 238 or 248 or consent of instructor. Fee: $225.
270 Winter Mountaineering Skills
Spring Sheedy 1 credit
This course is designed for individuals interested in developing winter camping and cold weather survival skills.
Snow shelter construction, extreme weather dressing and equipment, snow kitchens, winter camping, snowshoeing,
snowpack and weather assessment, trip planning, risk management and mitigation techniques to be covered. This
course is to be mainly taught over one long weekend trip. Extremely useful for individuals interested in pursuing
glaciated mountaineering, multi-day winter activities or pushing their skill base to better handle camping in harsh
weather. Graded credit/no credit. May be repeated for a maximum of two credits. Fee: $160; eligible for need-based
LEAF aid contingent upon available funds.
284, 285 Athletic Leadership I, Athletic Leadership II
Fall, Spring Lamanna 1 credit
This activity course is graded credit/no credit and is open to varsity student-athletes who will be representing their
respective teams as part of the Student-Athlete Advisory Council. Students will be introduced to a variety of
leadership tools and models and will be encouraged to develop leadership skills through the planning and executing
of several projects and initiatives each semester. As a part of the leadership experience students also will engage in
the NCAA legislative process, the NWC administrative process and interact with campus and community members
representing their fellow student-athletes.
300 Outdoor Sport Climber
Fall Sheedy 1 credit
This course is intended to build upon the skills developed in the Intermediate climbing class and prepare students to
lead climb single pitch bolted sport routes outdoors. Anchor building, cleaning & rappelling, with a variety of
techniques and materials will be covered. Site and equipment considerations, risk management and additional lead
climbing techniques will be covered. Field trips are part of this course. Graded credit/no credit. Prerequisite: SSRA
237, 238, or 248 or consent of instructor. Fee: $225; eligible for need-based LEAF aid contingent upon available
funds.
338 Improvised Rock Rescue Systems
Not offered 2023-24 1 credit
This course is designed to train skilled lead climbers in improvised self-rescue systems for technical rock climbing.
It is useful for both single pitch and multi-pitch climbers. It is especially useful for instructors and advanced
climbers to help them both analyze and mitigate potential hazards and problems. It also will enable them to initiate
self-rescue through a variety of tried and true systems that can be combined and used in various ways. Ascension
systems, escaping the belay, passing a knot, lowering systems, raising systems, counterbalance rappels, assisted
rappels and other rescue concepts will be covered. Prerequisite: SSRA 238 or 387, or consent of instructor. Fee:
$85.
342 Wilderness Expedition: Sea Kayaking
Not offered 2023-24 1 credit
A course designed for individuals interested in developing wilderness expedition skills in a variety of skill areas.
The skills and theories covered will be directed toward trip planning, risk management, hazard awareness evaluation
and avoidance, hard and soft skill development, conflict resolution, leave no trace, rescue skills, leadership
techniques, multiday trips, rigging, and group management techniques. Sea kayaking, glacier mountaineering,
backcountry skiing, whitewater boating and backpacking are the types of expeditions that will be offered, and these
topics will rotate from year to year. This class will involve preparation classes at Whitman before going on the
expedition, which will run for one or two weeks and will normally occur during Spring Break but could occur
during other breaks on some years. Graded credit/no credit. Co-requisite: SSRA 334. Fee: variable depending
on location.
350 Advanced Kayaking: Whitewater Kayak Instructor
Spring Chapin 2 credits
This course trains students to be whitewater kayak instructors and offers the opportunity for students to earn a
nationally recognized certification with the American Canoe Association. The course will teach students about
advanced paddle strokes and boat maneuvering, kayak curriculum progression, supporting a positive learning
environment, managing participants in dynamic river environments and some basic rescue and assist techniques.
Graded credit/no credit. Fee: $450, eligible for need-based LEAF aid contingent upon available funds.
Academic Courses
These professional courses are designed for students who wish to study the theory, methods and philosophy of
physical education and to develop leadership skills in the field.
153 Holistic Nutrition and Health
Not offered 2023-24 2 credits
This course is an opportunity to learn about whole body health by exploring some of the most up-to-date
information in the field of holistic nutrition. We will look at digestive anatomy and physiology, discuss common
misconceptions about fat, carbohydrates and protein, and explore common symptoms associated with stress,
impaired digestion, poor diet, and food sensitivities. Students will also have the opportunity to explore their own
personal health, nutrition, stress and energy levels through a variety of modalities including mindfulness, breathing,
food journaling and self-reflection. Graded credit/no credit.
200 First Aid
Not offered 2023-24 1 credit
A course designed to prepare students to give emergency treatment before regular medical care can be given. CPR
and first aid certification may be earned. Graded credit/no credit. Fee: $35.
206-207 Special Topics in Sports Studies, Recreation and Athletics
1-4 credits
Courses in special topics areas within SSRA. Any current offerings follow.
210 Sports, Social Justice and Facilitation
Spring Hein 2 credits
As a society, we have witnessed an interesting and powerful relationship between sports and social justice. Athletes
have long used their platform to address societal injustice, but rarely do we create a space for dialogue at the
intersection of sports and social justice. This course is designed to give students a background in the relationship of
sports and social justice as well as a foundation for effective intergroup dialogue and facilitation. Students will
discuss relevant reading material, videos, and lived experiences as a base for conversation and community
development. Students will engage in and practice facilitating dialogue exploring cultural similarities and
differences. These facilitation skills around both historical and current topics in sports provide a framework to
examine sports movements and sports team culture at all levels through the lens of social justice.
308 Lifeguard Training
Not offered 2023-24 2 credits
A course designed to certify a student in lifeguarding. The course will include both classroom and pool instruction;
topics covered include personal safety, water rescue, guarding technique and CPR. Fee: $35.
328 Women and Sport
Not offered 2023-24 2 credits
This course will cover the history of women in sport, examine the impact of Title IX, and discuss current trends in
women’s athletics. The course will include lecture and discussion as well as several short papers. Two texts and
additional reading will be required. Offered in alternative years.
329 The Story of Sport
Not offered 2023-24 2 credits
The course will address what elements of the athletic experience make sports such a popular topic of fiction.
Through reading short stories, novels, and viewing films, students will examine both the retelling of sports moments
as well as what it is about sport that draws our attention. Themes to be studied will include the underdog, teamwork,
leadership, and cheating. Students also will be asked to examine the significance of sports stories in their social and
historical contexts.
331 Canoe Guide Leadership
Not offered 2023-24 2 credits
A course designed for individuals interested in developing the technical skills, leadership skills and theoretical
foundations for leading canoe trips in a dynamic outdoor environment. The skills and theories covered will be
directed toward trip planning, risk management, hazard awareness and avoidance, travel skills, rescue procedures,
boat-handling skills, leadership, hard and soft skill development, conflict resolution, leave no trace practices,
navigation, multi-day trips and group management. A willingness to camp and swim in cold conditions are the only
prerequisites. Fee: $600.
332 River Guide Leadership
Fall Chapin 2 credits
A course designed for individuals interested in developing the technical skills, leadership skills and theoretical
foundations for leading trips in a dynamic river environment. The skills and theories covered will be directed toward
trip planning, risk management, hazard awareness and avoidance, legal implications, hard and soft skill
development, conflict resolution, leave no trace, river hydrology, rescue skills, leadership techniques, multiday trips,
rigging, and group management techniques. Skills for paddle rafts and oar rigs will be the focus of this course but
management of other whitewater crafts such as kayaks may be discussed. A willingness to camp and swim in cold
conditions are the only prerequisites. Fee: $530.
334 Sea Kayak Guide Leadership
Not offered 2023-24 2 credits
A course designed for individuals interested in developing the technical skills, leadership skills, seamanship skills
and theoretical foundations for leading kayak-touring trips in both ocean and inland water environments. The skills
and theories covered will be directed toward safety and risk management, travel skills, rescue procedures, boat-
handling skills, leadership, hard and soft skill development, conflict resolution, leave no trace practices, expedition
planning, navigation and group management. This course will alternate between being offered locally and being
offered in more distant locations so as to provide different teaching environments and different economic choice.
Note: This is a theory class offered with standard grading. Fee: $530.
357 Coaching Soccer
Not offered 2023-24 2 credits
A course designed for students interested in coaching soccer at the high school level. Stress is placed on the basic
fundamentals of soccer and theories of offense and defense, including methods of teaching these phases. Offered in
alternate years.
359 Coaching Baseball
Fall Kitamura 2 credits
A course designed for students interested in coaching baseball at the high school level. Stress is placed on the basic
fundamentals of the game and on the various methods of teaching these phases.
360 Coaching Basketball
Fall Ferenz 2 credits
A course designed for students interested in coaching basketball at the youth and/or high school level. Stress is
placed on the basic fundamentals of the game and on the various methods of teaching these phases. A portion of the
course will be devoted to methods and philosophy of coaching for any sport at the youth and/or high school level.
Offered in alternate years.
370 Coaching Tennis
Not offered 2023-24 2 credits
A course designed for students interested in coaching tennis at the high school level, club, and/or parks and
recreation department. Stress is placed on preparing for the U.S. Professional Tennis Association (USPTA) coaching
certification test. The course offers a weekly on-court practicum experience with players of varying ability.
Prerequisite: consent of instructor.
380 Outdoor Leadership
Spring Chapin 2 credits
A course designed for individuals who are interested in leading or organizing adventure trips. The skills and theory
covered will be directed toward backpacking and snow camping adventures, food planning, legal implications of
leadership, hazard awareness and avoidance, navigation, emergency response, and minimum impact camping. A
weekend and a Spring Break outing will be coupled with classroom studies. Appropriate for first and second year
students who would like to start leading trips for the program. Fee: $575.
385 Recreation Leadership
Not offered 2023-24 2 credits
A companion to our present SSRA 380 Outdoor Leadership. This course is designed to provide the classroom and
textbook theory of recreational leadership, while SSRA 380 aims to apply skills to the field. The following elements
will be included: 1) basic history of recreation and outdoor adventure leadership; 2) an examination of the models
and theories of outdoor recreation; 3) an analysis of leadership theories including a study of effective leadership
qualities and styles; 4) an understanding of the challenges of leading special populations (i.e., youth at risk,
physically disabled, elderly); 5) practice planning and designing an outdoor adventure pursuit.
387 Advanced Climbing: Single Pitch Instructor Course
Not offered 2023-24 3 credits
This course is designed for strong climbers interested in becoming climbing instructors and managing an
institutional single pitch climbing site. Emphasis will be on developing an awareness of liability concerns and how
to mitigate risk. Topics that will be covered include: movement on rock, knots and rope systems, anchors, protection
placement, rappelling, belaying, lead climbing, following, single pitch rescue techniques, teaching techniques, route
setting and climbing wall management. Prerequisite: consent of instructor. Fee: $700.
390 Introduction to Sports Medicine
Not offered 2023-24 4 credits
A course designed to meet the needs of students desiring to pursue a career in sports medicine (physical therapy,
athletic training, or orthopedic medicine) or students who will coach or teach young athletes. It includes the study of
anatomy and kinesiology as they pertain to the more common injuries incurred by an athletic population. Injury,
prevention, recognition, and rehabilitation are stressed in both the lecture and laboratory experiences. Fee: $35.
395 Advanced Techniques in Sports Medicine
Not offered 2023-24 4 credits
This course structure provides a continuation of material learned in SSRA 390. Through hands-on experience,
students will learn advanced evaluation techniques, discuss administrative and organizational concerns for a training
room, explore the broad spectrum of sports medicine job settings, and participate in a practical application of
rehabilitation techniques. Instructional units will include specific joint injury evaluation, physiological effects of
modalities, modality set-up, exercise rehabilitation, massage, and rehabilitation protocol design. Students will work
individually with injured athletes to evaluate injury as well as to design and supervise rehabilitation programs.
Laboratory experience will expand on lecture topics. Course design plans for two lectures and two laboratory days
per week. Prerequisite: SSRA 390. Fee: $35.
487 Independent Study Research
Fall, Spring Staff 1-3 credits
For students who are interested in undertaking a unique sport studies activity or an in-depth analysis (including
extensive library research or collecting experimental data related to sports studies and/or recreation). Students must
receive prior approval for the selected activity or project prior to registration. A written report of research work will
be required for students registering for more than one credit. May be repeated for a total of six credits. Prerequisite:
consent of instructor.
