Southern University opens the Horace Wesley Moody, Sr. Intramural Sports Complex

November 16, 2013 was a red-letter day for Southern University Baton Rouge and for our Association. After years of planning, the ribbon was finally cut during the grand opening ceremony of the Horace Wesley Moody, Sr. Intramural Sports Complex. Located near student housing, the 33,578 square feet facility is equipped with a fully stocked weight room, grand gymnasium, locker rooms and lounge areas. In addition to the basketball and volleyball courts, the university will offer Zumba, kickboxing and other classes catered for members of the community.

The students, faculty, and staff of Southern University and even the greater Baton Rouge community will benefit immensely from this beautiful, cutting-edge space dedicated to supporting healthy lifestyle choices through diverse, inclusive, and sustainable recreation. The new facility will transform the Southern University campus— this space will allow students, faculty, staff, and alums who desire to stay in shape or improve their overall health and wellbeing the opportunity to do so in style. It will undoubtedly serve as a way to bring students together. But perhaps most importantly, it will honor the life and legacy of Horace Moody Sr. and show that appreciation by opening it in his name.

Melvin Robinson Director of Campus Recreation, Tyrone Tanner, and the whole Campus Recreation department were great hosts and did a wonderful job with the opening ceremony program. More than people 100, including students, trustees, alums, and others were on hand to celebrate this landmark dedication. And NIRSA President Designee Laurie Braden, Director at Louisiana State University and I were able to join in the celebration on behalf of the NIRSA family.

The day was truly an historic occasion for NIRSA— The Horace Wesley Moody, Sr. Intramural Sports Complex is the first collegiate recreational sports facility named for a founding member of our Association. Horace Moody Sr. was a seminal figure in our Association— not only did he participate in the meeting at Dillard University on February 22, 1950 (the founding of the National Intramural Association), but he was also able to attend the ground breaking ceremony for NIRSA Headquarters in July 1997. Horace was a friend, a colleague, and a mentor to many; he and his wife, Carolyn, attended numerous Annual Conferences until his passing in 1998. In 1995, Horace was presented with NIRSA’s highest distinction, the Honor Award. To honor Mr. Horace Moody Sr., the NIRSA Board of Directors passed a resolution to recognize his contributions to our profession and this Association.

The Southern University administration and the Moody family—many of whom had come from all over the country for the occasion—were quite impressed and thankful for the NIRSA presence at this event. The resolution was read by Laurie and received great applause. When I spoke with the Chancellor, he hadn’t quite realized the reach of Horace’s legacy and the historic significance of this event. The Southern University community was very grateful that the NIRSA Board passed the resolution.

When Horace Moody Jr. spoke representing the family, and as a part of our NIRSA family, he simple beefed with pride! I had the pleasure of joining the Moody family for a dinner at the home of Mr. Moody and his wife Carolyn, and the home that Horace Jr. and his siblings grew up in. When we arrived, walked in, it was like being at home for me. Food (lots of it), laughter, smiles, kids (lots of them) and family love filled their home. The gumbo was amazing—the best I have ever had; and there was enough food to feed the entire NIRSA membership. The warm welcome from the Moody family was heartwarming. Horace Jr. and I were invited to the football game by the Chancellor. As we sat the three of us visiting, he was again so thankful, and very proud that they chose to name the facility for Mr. Moody and marked the historic significance of the day.

You could feel the presence of our founders at this event, smiling from the heavens, led by Mr. Moody in his baritone voice saying, “what’s all this fuss about, now go have fun!”

About Horace Moody, Sr.

Mr. Moody was born on May 25, 1919 in New Orleans, Louisiana. He went to McKinley High School in Baton Rouge and After his duty in the U.S. Army, he received his BS degree in Health and PE from Southern University and a Master of Science from Southern University. An outstanding football player in high school and college, Horace served as a Southern University assistant football coach for 30 years; he also coached for Scotlandville, Capitol, and Lincoln High Schools in Baton Rouge. He became the university’s first full-time Director of Intramural Sports, serving in that role for 16 years until he retired from Southern University in 1986.

Horace participated in the meeting at Dillard University on February 22, 1950 in what formed the National Intramural Association. He and his wife, Carolyn, attended numerous Annual Conferences until his passing in April 1998. In 1995 Mr. Moody was presented with NIRSA’s highest distinction, the Honor Award. Horace was able to attend the groundbreaking ceremony for NIRSA Headquarters in July 1997.

Horace Moody was a friend, a colleague, and a mentor to many. Past NIRSA President and fellow Honor Award Winner Dr. Jeff Vessely said of Mr. Moody: “His mentoring included his support for the work of NIRSA and its members and his support took many forms. It was often demonstrated by him taking a front row seat at a presentation or a business meeting and flashing that encouraging smile. It mattered not to him whether you were a seasoned veteran or a brand-new professional, he was there to lend his encouragement.”

Along with his accomplishments are being a founding member of the National Intramural and Recreational Sports Association (NIRSA). He also was a member of Omega Psi Phi fraternity incorporated.