My name is Kristofer J. Newsome (he/him) and I have the privilege of serving as the Chair of the NIRSA Championship Series this year. I currently work at the University of Central Florida as the Assistant Director for Sport Clubs and Risk Management. My goal this year as Chair of the Champ Series is to share this message: “YOU MATTER!”
I’m currently reflecting on the horrible shooting that took place at Apalachee High School in Winder, Georgia on Wednesday, September 4. I remember playing golf in Winder as part of the intramural sport offerings at Georgia Gwinnett College when I was the Assistant Director for Intramural Sports and Sport Clubs there. I also remember driving by Winder on my way to Athens to take students to play at various tournaments hosted by the University of Georgia. Unfortunately, given the deadly shooting that claimed the lives of four people, many will now no longer have fond memories or thoughts at the forefront when they think of Winder.
Cristina Irimie (53), Richard Aspinwall (39), Mason Schermerhorn (14), and Christian Angulo (14) were all killed in the shooting. Many other individuals were injured. The part of this story that bothers me the most is that unfortunately this will not be the last mass shooting or tragic event that takes place in 2024. Before becoming a parent, I always worried about the fact that my child would grow up in a world that seems to be getting worse, and I worried about how I would protect them. I realize now that I simply cannot protect my child from the realities of living in the US where school shootings occur with sad regularity. What I can do is help instill within them positive values and good ethics that will help them to navigate through difficult times. I have to trust that my child will surround themselves with good people because there are still good people in the world! That is the point of my goal this year: “You Matter!”
You matter because you are doing your best to be a positive influence on those you come across. You matter because you are working to create a safe, fun, and welcoming environment that enhances the lives of the students, faculty, staff, and anyone else that visits your facilities and campus and takes part in your programs. You matter because you are aiding in mentoring the future leaders, community volunteers, teachers, officials, coaches, and anything else that the students you work with can become. You matter because you are demonstrating good sporting behavior while creating lasting memories with people who will be lifelong friends. YOU MATTER BECAUSE YOU MATTER!
I encourage you to take a moment to be grateful for the opportunity you have to make a positive impact on others. Accept these kind words of appreciation for your great work, for your strong leadership, for your thoughtful mentorship, for the wonderful person who you are. Campus recreation has brought so much joy to millions of people around the world. No matter how you are involved in campus recreation, your input is valuable and necessary! Do not take for granted your value and the important roles you play in the lives of others.
If I do this correctly, the short interviews that I’m planning to conduct this year will be fun and insightful. You will hear stories as told by specific individuals, not by me. I sincerely hope that you enjoy the interviews I plan to share throughout this leadership year using the NIRSA Championship Series Notes blog. I’m really looking forward to sharing good news from some awesome people in the coming months!
Kristofer Newsome is Assistant Director for Sport Clubs and Risk Management at the University of Central Florida. He is the Chair of the NIRSA Championship Series.
