Andy Darling, director of Campus Recreation at Marshall University, has been named director of the West Virginia University Student Recreation Center, effective July 27.

“Darling is the right person at the right time to lead the Student Recreation Center at West Virginia University,” said Greg Corio, executive director of Student Recreation and Outdoor Education. “He is going to be a great asset and advocate for recreation on campus. He brings vision and I look forward to working with him to develop more recreation opportunities for students and our members.”

As director, Darling will report to Corio and will assume oversight of the 177,000-square-foot WVU Student Recreation Center and its multi-faceted recreation programs, including club sports, intramurals, aquatics, fitness, membership services, special events, and the craft center.

The Rec Center opened its doors in 2001 and is home to a six-lane, 25-yard lap/fitness swimming pool and another leisure pool; a massive, 50-foot climbing wall; and a 17,000-square-foot weight and fitness area.

“WVU has been described to me as having one of the most supportive and inclusive communities for a school of its size. I look forward to learning more about the culture of WVU first-hand and finding ways for the Student Recreation Center to continue to contribute to the University’s mission,” Darling said.

“Nationally, the role of campus recreation and how it fits into the campus community is being better understood,” he said. “Based on my observation, WVU has had a head start in student recreation compared to most institutions and has been an active part of student learning. I am excited to work in an environment that understands that learning is not all done in the classroom but part of an active, intentional lifestyle.”

Jeff Berryman has been serving as the interim director of the Student Recreation Center since the retirement of David Taylor in July 2013. Berryman, who plans to retire, has committed to stay through February 2016 to assist with a smooth transition.

Sandra Peppel, former Rec Center aquatic program manager, was named interim assistant director of the Student Recreation Center on June 1, after the retirement of Tom Pinto. Pinto worked for campus and student recreation for 34 years.

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CONTACT: Greg Corio, Student Life
304.293.5283; greg.corio@mail.wvu.edu
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